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

These innovations signal a shift from robotic spectacle to practical, everyday applications, emphasizing collaboration, accessibility, and human-robot comfort as robots integrate into our lives. — Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 24 July 2026

He’s also expected to deliver more than a straightforward genre film, emphasizing the social realism aspects and sensory prose of the novel. — Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 24 July 2026

The sixth chapter emphasizes the importance of Torah study, and it was added later, likely by about the 9th century. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 July 2026

Our mom emphasized healthy eating and exercise, but our dad always had tons of sweets and junk food at his house. — Carolyn Hax, Washington Post, 24 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