underscore

1 of 2

verb

un·​der·​score ˈən-dər-ˌskȯr 

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

Synonyms of underscore

Verb

• emphasize
• reinforce

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

Verb

If anything, the war in the Middle East underscores the need for premier cybersecurity solutions. —Jeff Marks, CNBC, 4 Mar. 2026

As global automakers and tech firms accelerate real-world trials, Xiaomi’s latest deployment underscores how humanoid robots are steadily moving from experimental prototypes toward practical roles on factory floors. —Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 3 Mar. 2026

Noun

Adding guitar and piano to the musical mix, Gregg Prickett and Sarah Rogerson help create an eerie underscore when the action turns bloody. —Manuel Mendoza, Dallas Morning News, 25 Feb. 2026

Moments like this underscore Griffin’s growing presence in Miami and his efforts to invest in the city’s next generation. —Michael Butler, Miami Herald, 24 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1770, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1901, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for underscore

• albacore
• alongshore
• antiwar
• anymore
• blastopore
• carnivore
• commodore
• dinosaur
• evermore
• furthermore
• guarantor
• herbivore

Kids Definition

underscore

verb

un·​der·​score

ˈən-dər-ˌskō(ə)r, 

-ˌskȯ(ə)r

1

: to draw a line under : underline

2

: emphasize

underscore noun