punctuate

verb

punc·​tu·​ate ˈpəŋk-chə-ˌwāt 

punctuated; punctuating

transitive verb

1

: to mark or divide (written matter) with punctuation marks

2

: to break into or interrupt at intervals

The steady click of her needles punctuated the silence …

—Edith Wharton

3

: accentuate, emphasize

intransitive verb

: to use punctuation marks

punctuator

ˈpəŋk-chə-ˌwā-tər 

noun

Synonyms of punctuate

• emphasize
• highlight
• stress
• feature

Examples of punctuate in a Sentence

Do you know how to punctuate a sentence correctly?

punctuated each and every word of his denial with a pound of his fist on the table

Recent Examples on the Web

The closing scene, in which the four embrace as fireworks go off, punctuates all of this onscreen thinking with external action to match. —Niela Orr, New Yorker, 22 Dec. 2025

Spanning the state’s southeastern corner, the Oregon Outback is a stretch of high desert punctuated by volcanic fissures, jagged rocks, and the odd town dating back to pioneer times. —Zoe Baillargeon, Travel + Leisure, 22 Dec. 2025

The second set was punctuated by several A&M rallies and blocks and kills from Lednicky and Stowers. —Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 21 Dec. 2025

Higgins then punctuated that drive with a nine-yard, goal line fade. —Miami Herald, 21 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin punctuatus, past participle of punctuare to point, provide with punctuation marks, from Latin punctus point

First Known Use

circa 1766, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for punctuate

• abdicate
• abrogate
• acetate
• activate
• actuate
• adsorbate
• aggravate
• agitate
• alginate
• alienate
• allocate
• amputate

Kids Definition

punctuate

verb

punc·​tu·​ate ˈpəŋ(k)-chə-ˌwāt 

punctuated; punctuating

1

: to mark or divide with punctuation marks

2

: to interrupt at intervals

a speech punctuated by a harsh cough