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

For Ginsberg, ever-attuned to the rhythmic physicality of verse, the central atom of poetry wasn’t the line or the foot, but rather the breath, emphasizing that his were longer than his free verse hero Whitman because the good, grey poet probably had smaller lungs. —Literary Hub, 3 June 2026

The project posed several issues for an artist who had always emphasized clarity and simplicity in his solitary picture-taking. —James Quandt, Artforum, 2 June 2026

The architecture emphasizes natural ventilation and light, reducing energy demands, while materials are chosen to blend into the surrounding dunes. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026

Instead of treating automation as a cost-reduction tool, Sharda has emphasized reducing friction for both employees and applicants. —Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 2 June 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