emphasize

verb

em·​pha·​size ˈem(p)-fə-ˌsīz How to pronounce emphasize (audio)
emphasized; emphasizing

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.
Other witnesses also emphasized this point — the nation that establishes a presence on the lunar surface first will set the rules of engagement for resources, governance, and international partnerships back on Earth. Josh Dinner, Space.com, 4 Sep. 2025 Kasperowicz emphasized those are lower now than under the Biden administration, when vacancy rates were 19% and 20% for doctors and nurses, respectively. Natalie Eilbert, jsonline.com, 4 Sep. 2025 During closing arguments, prosecutor Bronwyn Nayci emphasized how Ramos-Aviles abused children for years — recounting the girls’ testimonies. Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 4 Sep. 2025 Shooting scenes in wide or medium shots that sometimes break into Hsiao-Lee’s harrowing point-of-view, cinematographer Yu Jing-Pin depicts a world without much color or hope, while sets by Huang Mei-Ching and Tu Shuo-Feng emphasize a sad and impoverished existence. Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 4 Sep. 2025 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 8 Sep. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on emphasize

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