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

And Ford’s Bergg took pains to emphasize that its low price wasn’t coming from where customers would notice. — Michael Ballaban, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026

The label’s mission emphasizes distinctive creative voices and stories that defy genre convention. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 7 Aug. 2026

After the hearing, a relative emphasized that the woman asked to leave was grieving. — Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026

The organization, previously known as Boy Scouts of America, had rebranded in 2025 to emphasize inclusion and the growing number of girls, transgender, and gender-nonconforming members in the scouting ranks. — Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 7 Aug. 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
• alibis
• alkalies
• alkalis
• amortize
• amplifies
• analyse
• analyze
• anywise
• authorize
• butterflies

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