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

At the separate meetings with Hun Sen and Hun Manet, Min Aung Hlaing emphasized that Myanmar was working to strengthen cooperation within ASEAN, MRTV said. — Arkansas Online, 12 Sep. 2026

Scholarly writing about slavery in the Americas—which has mostly centered on Black enslavement—has emphasized its economic value in building plantations, wealth, and American capitalism. — Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2026

While these findings point to a potential benefit of incorporating blue-light-blocking glasses into an evening routine, researchers emphasize that individual responses vary. — Ascend Agency, New York Daily News, 11 Sep. 2026

The researchers emphasized its relevance for aerospace systems utilizing liquid oxygen, where efficient proton transport can significantly influence overall fuel-cell performance. — Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 11 Sep. 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