Did you know?
When you accentuate something you put an “accent,” or emphasis, on it. There’s no need to stress out if you don’t know the word’s history, though; its journey into the English language was very straightforward. It comes from Latin accentus, meaning “accent” (which itself comes in part from cantus, meaning “song”), and since the early 18th century, its meanings haven’t changed much. The word was initially used as a synonym of the verb accent to mean “to pronounce with greater stress or force,” which is a small leap from today’s meaning of “to make something more noticeable; to emphasize.” One excellent way to remember not only how to pronounce accentuate but also its etymological connection to song is the classic (and helpfully titled) tune “Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive,” by Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer, which has been performed by such luminaries as Dinah Washington, Sam Cooke, and Bing Crosby and the Andrews Sisters.
Examples of accentuate in a Sentence
Lara Walsh, InStyle, 15 Mar. 2026
In the principal bedroom, most of the work involved updating the decor, starting with a custom bed with a fringe, curtains, and a chandelier to accentuate the space.
—Annabelle Dufraigne, Architectural Digest, 14 Mar. 2026
Pepper and honey accentuate the flavors of the fresh herbs and tangy goat cheese.
—Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 14 Mar. 2026
The actor himself handpicked the decidedly glitzy trio from the archives to accentuate Ken’s bold persona and flashy style.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 10 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for accentuate
Cite this Entry
“Accentuate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/accentuate. Accessed 18 Mar. 2026.
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accentuate
verb
