emphasize

verb

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

transitive verb

: to place emphasis on : stress
emphasized the need for reform

Examples of emphasize in a Sentence

supermarket tabloids that emphasize sensational news stories that huge belt buckle only emphasizes his big gut
Recent Examples on the Web The letter emphasized the value Black athletes often bring to collegiate sports programs. Nicquel Terry Ellis, CNN, 11 Mar. 2024 The name of the Gray New Deal emphasizes that the real solution has to be bold, just like the New Deal was bold. Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 11 Mar. 2024 The air district said these levels remain consistent with federal standards but emphasized that the EPA has not officially determined the cause of the reaction. Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2024 The film also colors complex, tense relationships with Judas (Harvey Keitel) and Mary Magdalene (Barbara Hershey) that effectively dramatize and emphasize Christ’s humanity. Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 9 Mar. 2024 Maitri President Geetha Krishnamurthy emphasized that education is the key to preventing abuse. Sal Pizarro, The Mercury News, 9 Mar. 2024 Stegall emphasized that the park was still open and that McDonald was parked legally. Jonathan Shorman, Kansas City Star, 8 Mar. 2024 This year's Inspire Inclusion theme emphasizes diversity and empowerment across different sectors and the role inclusion plays in gender equality. Essence, 8 Mar. 2024 Even the mayor, and the governor, despite constantly emphasizing a need to build their way out, can’t get past local control and the objections of highly intelligent, affluent residents. Alena Botros, Fortune, 29 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word '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

Etymology

emphas(is) + -ize

First Known Use

1793, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of emphasize was in 1793

Dictionary Entries Near emphasize

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

emphasize

verb
em·​pha·​size ˈem(p)-fə-ˌsīz How to pronounce emphasize (audio)
emphasized; emphasizing
: to place emphasis on : stress as being important or so as to stand out

More from Merriam-Webster on emphasize

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