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

• 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

Once again, Messi punctuated the regular season finale with a hat trick, this one in a come-from-behind win over Nashville SC. —Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 21 Oct. 2025

Okafor’s fitness record has been punctuated with absences for years, and his availability was the main red flag waving over his signature in August. —Beren Cross, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2025

The Broncos won Super Bowl 50, their Orange Rush punctuating one of the most impressive defensive seasons in NFL history. —Joe Nguyen, Denver Post, 19 Oct. 2025

Allison Williams gave a sharp, high-gloss finish to a monochrome look in New York on Thursday, punctuating her professional polish outfit with Gianvito Rossi’s Cara slingback pumps. —Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 17 Oct. 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