punctuate

verb

punc·​tu·​ate ˈpəŋk-chə-ˌwāt 

punctuated; punctuating

transitive verb

1

: to mark or divide (written matter) with punctuation marks

2

: to break into or interrupt at intervals

The steady click of her needles punctuated the silence …

—Edith Wharton

3

: accentuate, emphasize

intransitive verb

: to use punctuation marks

punctuator

ˈpəŋk-chə-ˌwā-tər 

noun

Synonyms of punctuate

• emphasize
• highlight
• stress
• feature

Examples of punctuate in a Sentence

Do you know how to punctuate a sentence correctly?

punctuated each and every word of his denial with a pound of his fist on the table

Recent Examples on the Web

The silhouette is also a beautiful juxtaposition, with long flowing lines punctuated by the sharp, geometric architecture of the transom and sundeck roof. — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 21 July 2026

The waterfront, punctuated by the Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery, shows the grandeur of Portugal's Age of Exploration. — Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 20 July 2026

Sophie Cunningham added 11 points off the bench, punctuated by three 3s. — James Boyd, New York Times, 19 July 2026

Try wide-leg palazzo pants paired with a scoop-neck tank, punctuated by pops of gold via your belt and earrings. — Kelsey Stewart, Glamour, 18 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin punctuatus, past participle of punctuare to point, provide with punctuation marks, from Latin punctus point

First Known Use

circa 1766, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for punctuate

• abate
• airfreight
• await
• baseplate
• berate
• birthdate
• birthrate
• bookplate
• borate
• breastplate
• bromate
• casemate

Kids Definition

punctuate

verb

punc·​tu·​ate ˈpəŋ(k)-chə-ˌwāt 

punctuated; punctuating

1

: to mark or divide with punctuation marks

2

: to interrupt at intervals

a speech punctuated by a harsh cough