emphasize

verb

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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Palinski-Wade also emphasized pairing beverage habits with bone-building basics, including consuming adequate amounts of calcium and vitamin D, plus doing regular strength training. Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 18 Dec. 2025 The launch comes amid an intensifying release war with OpenAI, as Google reports processing more than a trillion tokens per day and emphasizes that rapid iteration, lower costs, and new benchmarks are now central to competition at the AI frontier. Sharon Goldman, Fortune, 18 Dec. 2025 Brightline officials have emphasized that many of the deaths on the tracks are suicides and are difficult to prevent. Brittany Wallman, Miami Herald, 18 Dec. 2025 Overall, the security experts emphasized how important video is in solving open cases – and perhaps even deterring them from happening in the first place. Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 18 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for emphasize

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Emphasize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/emphasize. Accessed 19 Dec. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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