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 show was punctuated by craft breaks, led by Samson Fellows from the stage. —Hazlitt, 11 Mar. 2026

The volcano's full bloom was punctuated by sustained fountains of lava more than 1,000 feet high, with peak heights of more than 1,300 feet — about the elevation of the top floor of the Empire State Building. —Dennis Romero, NBC news, 11 Mar. 2026

The achievement, so closely punctuated by a great loss, would be emblematic of Garland’s life—one full of the high highs and low lows that came with studio stardom. —Katie Schultz, Architectural Digest, 11 Mar. 2026

Rose punctuated the end of the quarter with a buzzer-beater layup, making it 31-13 at the end. —Zach McMahon, Boston Herald, 11 Mar. 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