emphasize

verb

em·​pha·​size ˈem(p)-fə-ˌsīz 

emphasized; emphasizing

transitive verb

: to place emphasis on : stress

emphasized the need for reform

Synonyms of emphasize

• highlight
• feature
• stress

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

Jackson’s allies have emphasized the forcefulness of his message and convictions. —Matt Brown, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2026

Little emphasized the need to ease property taxes in a letter accompanying his signature but criticized Moyle’s approach as rushed and overly complex. —Mark Dee march 6, Idaho Statesman, 7 Mar. 2026

Name change At Great American Backrub locations in Toronto, President Nazir Lalani put up signs emphasizing the chain’s Canadian ownership. —Alex Harring, CNBC, 7 Mar. 2026

His portrayal is different than Jacob Elordi’s in Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein, emphasizing the character’s savagery while focusing on an intriguing new wrinkle courtesy of Gyllenhaal’s script. —Tim Grierson, Vulture, 7 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

emphas(is) + -ize

First Known Use

1793, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing emphasize

• de-emphasize
• re-emphasize

Rhymes for emphasize

• advertise
• aggrandize
• agonize
• alibis
• alkalies
• alkalis
• amortize
• amplifies
• analyse
• analyze
• anywise
• authorize

Kids Definition

emphasize

verb

em·​pha·​size ˈem(p)-fə-ˌsīz 

emphasized; emphasizing

: to place emphasis on : stress as being important or so as to stand out