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

Moreover, the presence of all five biological nucleobases — the components of DNA and RNA — along with other findings, underscores Bennu’s significance as a repository of life’s fundamental building blocks. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 28 Nov. 2025

The fly-by-wire technology that made the A320 revolutionary in its time now underscores the risks of software dependency in modern aviation. —Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Nov. 2025

Noun

Follow Ella's studies and adventures on Instagram at Ella underscore Alshamahi. —Outside Online, 12 Nov. 2025

Composer duo Blitz//Berlin crafted a pulse-pounding musical underscore. —Bear McCreary, HollywoodReporter, 7 Nov. 2025

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