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.
Some of the players on the men's team apologized, while others emphasized the strong bond the two teams share. Allison Degrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Feb. 2026 In the immediate aftermath of the avalanche, a spokesperson for AIARE emphasized that its staff design avalanche safety curriculum but aren’t guides. Sacbee.com, 28 Feb. 2026 Trump was speaking in Texas about energy and economic priorities, emphasizing topics from his recent State of the Union address. Janelle Ash, FOXNews.com, 28 Feb. 2026 The system emphasized community stability and accord. Anand Gopal, New Yorker, 28 Feb. 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 2 Mar. 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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