emphasize

verb

em·​pha·​size ˈem(p)-fə-ˌsīz How to pronounce emphasize (audio)
emphasized; emphasizing
Synonyms of emphasizenext

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.
Police urge community cooperation FWPD spokesperson Daniel Segura said officers regularly patrol parks and open spaces, but emphasized that community involvement is critical. CBS News, 10 Jan. 2026 The councilwoman emphasized that every neighborhood in Los Angeles is just one disaster from devastation. City News Service, Daily News, 10 Jan. 2026 Use different tile sizes to emphasize a border, create a mosaic focal point, or build a pattern of tiles across the span of a wall or backsplash. Abby Wolner, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Jan. 2026 Fifth Third emphasized its commitment to Texas and Dallas-Fort Worth in its email. Sasha Richie, Dallas Morning News, 9 Jan. 2026 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 11 Jan. 2026.

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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