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 of underscore

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

In contrast, Lesieur underscores the boundless agility and fragile idealism of Bonnier de La Chapelle. —Tomris Laffly, Variety, 25 May 2026

The dangers of this highly specialized discipline were underscored once again this month when five Italian divers died while exploring the Vaavu Atoll caves in the Maldives on May 14, and Maldivian military diver Sgt. —Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 25 May 2026

Noun

Artworks from the museum’s permanent collection underscore water’s role as a potent cultural force. —Washington Post Staff, Washington Post, 15 May 2026

Cases like this underscore why Texas still enforces the death penalty, despite ongoing controversy. —Nicole Russell, USA Today, 7 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1770, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1901, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for underscore

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

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