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emphasize

verb

em·​pha·​size ˈem(p)-fə-ˌsīz How to pronounce emphasize (audio)
emphasized; emphasizing
Synonyms of emphasizenext

transitive verb

: to place emphasis on : stress
emphasized the need for reform

Examples of emphasize in a Sentence

supermarket tabloids that emphasize sensational news stories that huge belt buckle only emphasizes his big gut
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Fugazi emphasized that the mass shooting appeared to be isolated. Hector Amezcua, Sacbee.com, 4 Dec. 2025 One of the magazine's editors emphasized that people of all backgrounds could participate. Brieanna J. Frank, USA Today, 4 Dec. 2025 Despite a lack of new information about the defendant, Bondi and other officials standing at the podium Thursday afternoon repeatedly emphasized that the Biden FBI had the same evidence, data, and leads that the current FBI used to solve the case. Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 4 Dec. 2025 Dr Daniel Zhou Hao, Principal Investigator from the University of Leicester, emphasized the project’s global impact. Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 4 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for emphasize

Word History

Etymology

emphas(is) + -ize

First Known Use

1793, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of emphasize was in 1793

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Emphasize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/emphasize. Accessed 5 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

emphasize

verb
em·​pha·​size ˈem(p)-fə-ˌsīz How to pronounce emphasize (audio)
emphasized; emphasizing
: to place emphasis on : stress as being important or so as to stand out

More from Merriam-Webster on emphasize

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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