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.
Premium cardholders also tend to favor their card's unique offerings, which emphasize luxury. Ryley Amond, CNBC, 26 Dec. 2025 Still, researchers emphasize that K2-18b remains a high-value target for understanding sub-Neptunes, a class of planets absent from our solar system. Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 26 Dec. 2025 Skydweller platform Skydweller is developing a solar-electric aircraft optimized for long-duration flight, emphasizing endurance over speed or payload capacity. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 25 Dec. 2025 The lawmakers emphasized that even during wartime, Christmas ceasefires have long been observed, pointing to World War I as a notable example. Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 25 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 29 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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