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

This approach emphasizes meaningful pieces that tell a story over instant gratification. —Amanda Lauren, Forbes.com, 25 Jan. 2026

While the state emphasized the link between the mud on Debe's tire and the soil from Bob Atrops' front yard, the defense says that this soil is everywhere in the region and is as common as — dirt. —Sarah Prior, CBS News, 25 Jan. 2026

What researchers say about the breakthrough pill Senior author Giovanni Traverso emphasizes that the focus is on patient health. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 25 Jan. 2026

School administrators emphasized that the reopening represents months of coordination across agencies, contractors, educators, and local leaders to ensure the campus is safe, operational, and ready to welcome students home. —Michelle Edgar, Daily News, 24 Jan. 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