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.
Catchpoint emphasized that a single slow-loading page can hand customers directly to competitors who have mastered digital-first performance. Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2025 Democrats are using their conferences and steering committee hearings to highlight doctors and other professionals, as well as emphasize their point that this fight is about healthcare. Lauren Green, The Washington Examiner, 16 Oct. 2025 In an interview with Swooon, Jordan emphasized that the meeting went well. Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 16 Oct. 2025 At a reunion special, Conner read a heartfelt letter acknowledging his past and emphasizing the possibility of healing, bringing both himself and Whitney to tears. Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Oct. 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 19 Oct. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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