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

Expect bolder contrasts and even lower upkeep—think Kris Jenner’s platinum bob punctuated by her deep brunette roots. —Karli Bendlin, PEOPLE, 24 Nov. 2025

Gisele Bündchen sparkled in a head-to-toe Chanel look over the weekend, punctuating her look with a pair of glossy black pumps. —Tara Larson, Footwear News, 24 Nov. 2025

These pancakes are fluffy and decadent, punctuated with sweet Maine blueberries and smothered with a velvety blueberry compote. —CBS News, 21 Nov. 2025

Advertisement Rather than focus on the turmoil that punctuated Cheney’s term, the younger Bush kept his remarks on his friend’s character and devotion to his family. —Philip Elliott, Time, 20 Nov. 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