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

The fossil further emphasizes the regional differences in dinosaur evolution across North America. —Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 27 Nov. 2025

The tech giant’s 2025 holiday ad is deliberately analog, designed to emphasize the power and warmth of human creativity. —Todd Spangler, Variety, 27 Nov. 2025

Maloy echoed the need for seamlessness, emphasizing that, in spite of digital advancements, AI will never be a replacement for human creativity. —Hyku Desesto, Vogue, 27 Nov. 2025

Turegano echoed that, emphasizing that dermatology should not only address visible symptoms but also explore root causes. —Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Nov. 2025

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
• agonize
• alibis
• alkalies
• alkalis
• amortize
• amplifies
• analyse
• analyze
• anywise
• authorize

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