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

The push and pull of the entertainment industry’s alternating (and/or simultaneous) love and hate for Swift has been a recurring motivator across her storied career, but her conversation with the Times emphasizes how equally damaging that love-bombing has been for her psyche and perception of self. —Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 28 Apr. 2026

Across its work, Quail Group continues to emphasize that operational improvement benefits from a clear understanding of both systems and human behavior. —Matt Emma, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026

McBride emphasizes that the most important health data reside in your biography, personal story, stress levels and relationship with food and alcohol. —Brittney Melton, NPR, 28 Apr. 2026

For all the hype around artificial intelligence—from curing cancer to accelerating space travel—tech leaders have been quick to emphasize its upside. —Preston Fore, Fortune, 28 Apr. 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