de-em·pha·size
(ˌ)dē-ˈem(p)-fə-ˌsīz 
de-emphasized; de-emphasizing; de-emphasizes
: to reduce in relative importance
also
: play down
1
: lessening of importance : removal from a position of prominence, favor, or special attention : a playing down
a movement for the de-emphasis of football in college
2
: complete or partial suppression of unduly large amplitude components from the output of an oscillating system (as of harsh overtones from a loudspeaker)
Examples of de-emphasize in a Sentence
Verb
you're at a point in your career where you can de-emphasize your academic record and emphasize your work experience
Recent Examples on the Web
Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 27 May 2026
However, Sempra is in the process of de-emphasizing its LNG investments.
—Rob Nikolewski, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026
Democratic leadership, Young said, has tended to scale up the division’s work; Republicans have often scaled it down, de-emphasizing voting rights and emphasizing religious-liberty cases.
—Quinta Jurecic, The Atlantic, 13 Apr. 2026
Old-line liberals have blasted the democratic socialist for de-emphasizing a police presence in favor of volunteers and contract workers armed with little more than overdose kits, notepads and phone numbers.
—Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 22 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for de-emphasize
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Verb
At the very least, players and parents feel the university is de-emphasizing its support for lacrosse.
—Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 27 May 2026
However, Sempra is in the process of de-emphasizing its LNG investments.
—Rob Nikolewski, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026
Democratic leadership, Young said, has tended to scale up the division’s work; Republicans have often scaled it down, de-emphasizing voting rights and emphasizing religious-liberty cases.
—Quinta Jurecic, The Atlantic, 13 Apr. 2026
Old-line liberals have blasted the democratic socialist for de-emphasizing a police presence in favor of volunteers and contract workers armed with little more than overdose kits, notepads and phone numbers.
—Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 22 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for de-emphasize
Cite this Entry
“De-emphasize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/de-emphasize. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
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