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

Delivered with an ease that flirts with comedy, it can be taken as humor punctuating drama. —Jp Mangalindan, Time, 27 Jan. 2026

The refuge is at the end of a 25-mile-long rutted dirt road that climbs through a shadowy forest of pine and spruce, punctuated by the sparkle of the occasional stream or meadow. —Michael Pollan, The Atlantic, 26 Jan. 2026

There were no laughs, with the audience remaining silent and punctuating parts of Kimmel’s speech with a big applause. —Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 26 Jan. 2026

Sailors goalie Sunny Brown punctuated at the first period with a save against a 7-on-6 chance by Mater Dei, her former school. —Dan Albano, Oc Register, 25 Jan. 2026

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