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

Officials emphasize this unified approach will create safer roads, sustain wildlife, and potentially lower insurance costs for residents. — Noël Fletcher, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026

Unlike traditional nuclear reactors, ZiaCore is designed as a factory-manufacturable microreactor that emphasizes compactness, fuel efficiency, and simplified deployment. — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 31 July 2026

Williams emphasizes the importance of keeping emergency supplies like flashlights, working batteries, first-aid kits, and non-perishable food on hand in every home in the event of an unexpected problem. — Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 31 July 2026

Fed Chair Kevin Warsh tried to thread the needle, emphasizing that inflation still must fall without tipping his hand on where rates would go in the future. — Brandy Hadley, Fortune, 31 July 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