underscore

1 of 2

verb

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

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
Even after 500 charge–discharge cycles at −30 °C, the rod-like crystals remained crack-free, underscoring the mechanical resilience imparted by crystallographic engineering. Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 10 Jan. 2026 According to multiple sources inside and outside Venezuela, Cabello has effectively halted the prisoner release process by blocking the execution of court orders authorizing their freedom — a move that underscores the depth of the internal rupture. Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 10 Jan. 2026
Noun
Data from Mizuho underscore how concentrated the exposure already is. Yun Li, CNBC, 5 Jan. 2026 Dispensing with the snippets of dialogue and long stretches of quiet underscore typical of these kinds of releases, Lopatin cruises on a relentless pulse that evokes the movie’s sustained state of tongue-in-cheek nerviness. Sam Goldner, Pitchfork, 23 Dec. 2025 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 19 Jan. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on underscore

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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