emphasize

verb

em·​pha·​size ˈem(p)-fə-ˌsīz 

emphasized; emphasizing

transitive verb

: to place emphasis on : stress

emphasized the need for reform

Synonyms

• 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

Set during the Yongle Era, Xixi said that Blade of Vengeance would break from the norm and the in-world drama would focus on realism and logic rather than fantastical feats, with the production emphasizing the real location shooting and hard-hitting action. —Abid Rahman, HollywoodReporter, 30 Oct. 2025

Police emphasized the public should not worry about those items purchased online or at retailers. —Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 30 Oct. 2025

In every stop on Saturday, Ciattarelli makes a point of emphasizing how his Jersey roots go deeper than his opponent’s. —Nik Popli, Time, 30 Oct. 2025

Rice emphasized that Givens’ deep institutional knowledge of the Olympics and Winston’s entertainment instincts will make for a potent mix. —Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 30 Oct. 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