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

Writers said the article emphasized findings that were subjective and susceptible to bias. —David Hilzenrath, USA Today, 29 Mar. 2026

Police are urging anyone with information to contact investigators, emphasizing that underage individuals who were drinking will not face penalties for coming forward. —Jamie Leary, CBS News, 28 Mar. 2026

Republicans have also emphasized the reports of mass welfare fraud in Minnesota and other states to argue for reform. —David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 28 Mar. 2026

During the class, Renee didn’t explicitly dwell on the price drop, instead choosing to emphasize the highs. —Bracey Harris, NBC news, 28 Mar. 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
• agonize
• alibis
• alkalies
• alkalis
• amortize
• amplifies
• analyse
• analyze
• anywise
• authorize

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