underscore

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verb un·der·score \ ˈən-dər-ˌskȯr \

Definition 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

See underscore defined for English-language learners

See underscore defined for kids

Examples of underscore in a Sentence

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 of underscore from the Web

Lynn Reaser, Point Loma Nazarene University NO: The resignations underscore the deep divisions within our country and signs of even further polarization.

— roger showley, sandiegouniontribune.com, "CEOs and White House: An upside to leaving panels?," 25 Aug. 2017
In the early 1990s Arpaio directed construction of a tent city for detainees, open to the burning Arizona sun, both to alleviate overcrowding and to underscore his aggressive enforcement measures.

— christina coleman, Essence.com, "Trump Pardons Racist Sheriff Joe Arpaio As Hurricane Barrels Towards Texas," 25 Aug. 2017
Reed’s flexibility, moving between two dramatically different roles, underscored how the game was evolving, with specific positions becoming less important and sheer athletic ability increasingly desirable.

— greg bishop, SI.com, "Jordan Reed vs. the Laws of Physics," 24 Aug. 2017
So his decision seems to defy logic, or at least to underscore his desperation.

— jeff maysh, Los Angeles Magazine, "The Cop Who Became a Robber," 22 Aug. 2017
The move underscores questions about the president’s ability to govern as once-supportive corporate executives distance themselves.

— alan crawford, Bloomberg.com, "Balance of Power: Barcelona's Impact Stretches Far Beyond Spain," 18 Aug. 2017
Those challenges are underscored by the business practices of the apparel brand owned by the [Ivanka Trump].

— james hohmann, Washington Post, "The Daily 202: After Senate bill falls apart, Republicans don’t have the votes to repeal Obamacare," 18 July 2017
Those challenges are underscored by the business practices of the apparel brand owned by the president's daughter, Ivanka Trump.

— chicagotribune.com, "White House touts 'Made in America' even as it seeks to cut office U.S. firms say helps them compete," 17 July 2017
This is underscored by a spending bill recently passed by Congress that includes the Rohrbacher-Blumenauer amendment.

— olivia fleming, Harper's BAZAAR, "Chelsea Leyland's Big Crusade for Cannabis," 5 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'underscore.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.