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
The findings, published in the medical journal The Lancet Psychiatry, underscore the extent to which the public's embrace of cannabis has outpaced the scientific research. Will Stone, NPR, 17 Mar. 2026 The department has also underscored that businesses selling unlawful products face fines, license suspension or revocation, and potential criminal penalties. David Kroll, The Conversation, 17 Mar. 2026
Noun
Escalating tensions in the Middle East underscore Palantir's advantage in government and defense AI applications, according to Rosenblatt. Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 3 Mar. 2026 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 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 Mar. 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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