underscore

1 of 2

verb

un·​der·​score ˈən-dər-ˌskȯr How to pronounce underscore (audio)
underscored; underscoring; underscores
Synonyms of underscore

transitive verb

1
: to draw a line under : underline
2
: to make evident : emphasize, stress
arrived early to underscore the importance of the occasion
3
: to provide (action on film) with accompanying music

underscore

2 of 2

noun

1
: a line drawn under a word or line especially for emphasis or to indicate intent to italicize
2
: music accompanying the action and dialogue of a film

Examples of underscore in a Sentence

Verb These failures underscore the difficulty of what we're attempting to do. The President's visit underscores the administration's commitment to free trade. She underscored the most important points.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
Prakash Singh | Bloomberg | Getty Images Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday urged citizens to curb fuel use, reduce overseas travel, and pause gold purchases, underscoring the severe impact of the Iran war on the economy. Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 11 May 2026 Weir, who just unveiled her ambitious strategic plan to rewire the BFC and grow its gross annual revenue by 38 percent to 18 million pounds by 2030, is expected to underscore the event’s role at the intersection of art, film, music and the performing arts to inspire and shape cultural creation. Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 11 May 2026
Noun
The world economy is shaky, as recent fluctuations in the stock market underscore. Brian Steinberg, Variety, 16 Apr. 2026 Incidents like this underscore the need for a stronger police presence in our neighborhoods and a serious, coordinated approach to addressing individuals who are emotionally disturbed and living on our streets. John Dias, CBS News, 14 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for underscore

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1770, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1901, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of underscore was in 1770

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Underscore.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underscore. Accessed 12 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

underscore

verb
un·​der·​score
ˈən-dər-ˌskō(ə)r
-ˌskȯ(ə)r
1
: to draw a line under : underline
2
underscore noun

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