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

Performance in the initial public offering market further underscores the widening gap between the two exchanges. — CNBC, 28 Oct. 2026

Its arrival on a coastline where billions of dollars are being invested in data centers underscores how extreme weather threatens both existing livelihoods and the infrastructure intended to drive future growth, said climate experts. — Sibi Arasu, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026

Noun

The institute’s broader regional data underscore that divide. — Charlotte Observer, 24 Oct. 2026

But deep disagreements over territory and security guarantees that re-emerged this week underscore obstacles to ending the war. — ABC News, 24 Oct. 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
• carnivore
• commodore
• dinosaur
• evermore
• furthermore
• guarantor
• herbivore
• heretofore

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