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.
Others emphasized that customers rely on hemp products for far more than recreation. Briseida Holguin, CBS News, 12 Apr. 2026 Bosch went on to emphasize that the impact the Miss Universe crown could have was dependent on the person wearing it. Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 11 Apr. 2026 The Yankees' culinary team, led by executive chef Robert Flowers, has emphasized creative concessions as part of a broader effort to elevate the game-day experience. Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 11 Apr. 2026 Similarly, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, the caliph of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, has long warned of global conflict and emphasized that only justice and peace can prevent it. Chicago Tribune, 11 Apr. 2026 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 12 Apr. 2026.

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

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