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

Climate change is likely to cause more extreme wet weather events punctuated by drought, and warming temperatures, according to the organization. —Claudia Levens, jsonline.com, 16 Dec. 2025

Stacy Gallagher, development and policy coordinator for the Sea Turtle Conservancy, had traveled from Gainesville to make that case, and remembers feeling heartened when boisterous applause punctuated each of her points. —Denise Hruby, Miami Herald, 15 Dec. 2025

An eye-catching belt often punctuated her looks, which spanned chic boho to edgy and oversized. —Andre Claudio, Sourcing Journal, 15 Dec. 2025

Then the Pelicans muscled back ahead to take control, punctuated by Williamson's dunk with 37 seconds left. —CBS News, 15 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