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

Since Tiffany’s attacks began, Crowley has moved in Hong’s general direction, emphasizing his requirements—using exclusively renewable energy to power new data centers, building them with union labor—for developers to receive the tax breaks. — Dan Kaufman, New Yorker, 28 Aug. 2026

In an interview with CNBC, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman emphasized the efficiency gains of the Sol model. — CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026

The company emphasized that its validation program will continue. — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 28 Aug. 2026

Vogue also connects the shift to Korean beauty’s aegyo-sal, which deliberately emphasizes the area beneath the eye. — Ashley Lynch, Miami Herald, 28 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