de-emphasize

verb

de-em·​pha·​size (ˌ)dē-ˈem(p)-fə-ˌsīz How to pronounce de-emphasize (audio)
de-emphasized; de-emphasizing; de-emphasizes

transitive verb

: to reduce in relative importance
also : play down
de-emphasis noun

Examples of de-emphasize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Starting next January, any automaker that wants their motor vehicles to ace the group’s safety test will need to add more physical buttons and de-emphasize touch-sensitive controls. Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 6 Mar. 2024 Matthew believes making wrestling a family thing has helped Justice by de-emphasizing the pressure that comes with competing in such an intense one-on-one sport. Ryan McFadden, The Denver Post, 15 Feb. 2024 In June 2020, then-President Donald Trump signed an executive order that directed the federal government to de-emphasize college degree requirements and assess applicants’ skills instead. Stand Together Trust, Forbes, 14 Feb. 2024 Kennedy, however, wanted to de-emphasize the role of nuclear weapons in U.S. military strategy for defending the allied position in Berlin. Timothy Naftali, Foreign Affairs, 1 Dec. 2023 In June 2020 then-President Donald Trump signed an executive order that directed the federal government to de-emphasize college degrees and assess applicants’ skills instead. Forbes, 13 Nov. 2023 Here, the power lift function is de-emphasized by the Wells’ style-first design—the giveaway is a simple remote that lifts, lowers, reclines, or moves the chair upright at the push of a button—and a handy side pocket that gives you a place to stash it. Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Oct. 2023 Beginnings and endings, as well as the tops and tails of acts, are de-emphasized. Sara Holdren, Vulture, 13 Oct. 2023 The justices are expected to review laws in Florida and Texas that prohibit social media platforms from removing or de-emphasizing certain content and force them to publish details of their algorithms. Devin Dwyer, ABC News, 29 Sep. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'de-emphasize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1938, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of de-emphasize was in 1938

Dictionary Entries Near de-emphasize

Cite this Entry

“De-emphasize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/de-emphasize. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!