underscore

1 of 2

verb

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

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
The Seventh Circuit’s opinion underscored that the judiciary retains a role in reviewing statutory conditions for troop deployment, while the New York decision reaffirmed congressional mandates that security grants be based on risk assessment rather than political considerations. Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025 But the film's authenticity is also underscored by the background sounds of televisions and radios broadcasting information about the Vietnam War, juxtaposing the beauty of everyday life against the political landscape of the time. Haadiza Ogwude, Cincinnati Enquirer, 17 Oct. 2025
Noun
New allegations in London underscore Deutsche Bank’s history of enabling risky behavior. Lily Mae Lazarus, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2025 According to Andy Heyward, chairman/CEO of Kartoon Studios, portions of Elfman’s theme will be incorporated into the underscore of the episodes. Melinda Newman, Billboard, 25 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for underscore

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1771, 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 1771

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Underscore.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underscore. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on underscore

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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