underscore

1 of 2

verb

un·​der·​score ˈən-dər-ˌskȯr 

underscored; underscoring; underscores

transitive verb

1

: to draw a line under : underline

2

: to make evident : emphasize, stress

arrived early to underscore the importance of the occasion

3

: to provide (action on film) with accompanying music

underscore

2 of 2

noun

1

: a line drawn under a word or line especially for emphasis or to indicate intent to italicize

2

: music accompanying the action and dialogue of a film

Synonyms

Verb

• emphasize
• reinforce

Examples of underscore in a Sentence

Verb

These failures underscore the difficulty of what we're attempting to do.

The President's visit underscores the administration's commitment to free trade.

She underscored the most important points.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Beijing’s addition of five mid- and heavy rare earths to its export controls, on top of the seven already restricted, underscores how these materials have become a flashpoint with trade partners beyond Washington. —Dave Smith, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2025

The county’s top performers underscore the impacts of student family income. —Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Oct. 2025

Noun

New allegations in London underscore Deutsche Bank’s history of enabling risky behavior. —Lily Mae Lazarus, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2025

According to Andy Heyward, chairman/CEO of Kartoon Studios, portions of Elfman’s theme will be incorporated into the underscore of the episodes. —Melinda Newman, Billboard, 25 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1771, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1901, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for underscore

• albacore
• alongshore
• antiwar
• anymore
• blastopore
• carnivore
• commodore
• dinosaur
• evermore
• furthermore
• guarantor
• herbivore

Kids Definition

underscore

verb

un·​der·​score

ˈən-dər-ˌskō(ə)r,

-ˌskȯ(ə)r

1

: to draw a line under : underline

2

: emphasize

underscore noun