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

In statements and staff briefings, Lucas has emphasized that producers need predictability and cannot afford to wait for a comprehensive bill that may never assemble a winning coalition. —Stephen Martin, Oklahoma Watch, 31 Jan. 2026

Shlesinger emphasized the importance of the film’s setting, explaining that recreating specific details about her childhood in suburban Texas was key to the project. —Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 31 Jan. 2026

Sacramento County District Attorney Thien Ho framed the charges Thursday as a breach of public trust, emphasizing the ripple effects on CapRadio’s roughly 35,000 individual members and 250 business supporters. —Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 31 Jan. 2026

But, Brickhouse emphasized, the lack of an experienced co-pilot was only one factor. —Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 31 Jan. 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
• 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