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

Experts in public health and pregnancy care emphasize that the benefits that the Covid-19 vaccine offers pregnant moms — and their babies — significantly outweigh any risk. — Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026

Friar emphasized revenue growth and said that the company is adjusting to a change in customer behavior. — Kate Rooney, CNBC, 14 Aug. 2026

At a media preview on Thursday, Disney didn’t show off much of the attraction, Avengers Infinity Defense, but expect a dark ride that will emphasize 3D screens in a battle across quickly changing locales. — Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026

Both cities, Greenwood Village and Centennial, are now emphasizing enforcement, education and dangers. — Ashley Portillo, CBS News, 14 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