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

Euthanasia is not the approach NRE Tas plans to take, Thamman emphasized – but the public needs to cooperate to keep themselves and Neil safe. — Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 11 July 2026

Giselle Garcia, program director for NorCal Resist, said the arrest data largely tracks with the organization’s own informal counts though emphasized much enforcement goes unaccounted for if families aren’t willing to speak up. — Mathew Miranda july 9, Sacbee.com, 10 July 2026

Silverman contends that its proposal wouldn’t do any of that, and emphasized that the 53 acres involved aren’t unspoiled woods or fields. — Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 10 July 2026

Barber has frequently discussed the extensive work that goes into each draft, emphasizing how much collaboration occurs before selections are made. — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 10 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