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 The Gates foundation policy dovetails with calls by some open-access advocates to de-emphasize the role of journal articles in quality control and professional evaluations. Byjeffrey Brainard, science.org, 1 Apr. 2024 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

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 23 Apr. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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