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.
Kawaii, the Japanese aesthetic that emphasizes cuteness and childlike innocence through charms, characters and colors, is bringing an unserious vibe to technology in the West. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 2 Jan. 2026 In their statement, Tuskegee University emphasized that Easley's administrative leave is a precautionary measure and that the investigation will determine next steps. CBS News, 2 Jan. 2026 The program emphasizes hands-on development, deployment, and maintenance of AI systems. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 2 Jan. 2026 Data center companies and trade groups – including representatives from Amazon Data Services, Google, Vantage Data Centers, and the Data Center Coalition – emphasized that tariffs should be fair, transparent, and grounded in cost-causation principles. Center Square, The Washington Examiner, 2 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 9 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!