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

The European ministers in Copenhagen emphasized the new hubs would abide by European and international law. — Claudia Ciobanu, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026

Coaches have emphasized wanting a more explosive, downfield passing game and showed glimpses of it Thursday night. — Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 4 Sep. 2026

Guerra emphasized the importance of teaching younger generations about LGBTQ hate. — Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 4 Sep. 2026

Kushner for his part emphasized in his note this week that FIFA’s members would ultimately have decided whether to participate. — Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 4 Sep. 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