emphasize

verb

em·​pha·​size ˈem(p)-fə-ˌsīz 

emphasized; emphasizing

transitive verb

: to place emphasis on : stress

emphasized the need for reform

Synonyms of emphasize

• highlight
• feature
• stress

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

The Coast Guard emphasized the high-stakes rescue serves as a powerful reminder of why its crews train constantly and remain ready to respond at any hour of the day or night. — Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026

This doesn't look like the time for steady rate cuts, and current Warsh recently emphasized the bank's 2% inflation target, which hasn't been reached since 2021. — Dan Mangan,luke Fountain,kevin Breuninger,garrett Downs,ashley Capoot,justin Papp, CNBC, 2 July 2026

The source emphasized that the Omanis have maintained their commitment to let shipping traffic pass without tolls and noted that the proposal did not contain any mandatory tolls. — Abigail Williams, NBC news, 3 July 2026

Scientists aren't predicting a repeat Researchers emphasize that history does not guarantee the same outcome. — Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 2 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

emphas(is) + -ize

First Known Use

1793, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing emphasize

• de-emphasize
• re-emphasize

Rhymes for emphasize

• advertise
• aggrandize
• alibis
• alkalies
• alkalis
• amortize
• amplifies
• analyse
• analyze
• anywise
• authorize
• butterflies

Kids Definition

emphasize

verb

em·​pha·​size ˈem(p)-fə-ˌsīz 

emphasized; emphasizing

: to place emphasis on : stress as being important or so as to stand out