un·der·score
ˈən-dər-ˌskȯr 
underscored; underscoring; underscores
3
: to provide (action on film) with accompanying music
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
Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025
But the film's authenticity is also underscored by the background sounds of televisions and radios broadcasting information about the Vietnam War, juxtaposing the beauty of everyday life against the political landscape of the time.
—Haadiza Ogwude, Cincinnati Enquirer, 17 Oct. 2025
Lily Mae Lazarus, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2025
According to Andy Heyward, chairman/CEO of Kartoon Studios, portions of Elfman’s theme will be incorporated into the underscore of the episodes.
—Melinda Newman, Billboard, 25 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for underscore
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 Seventh Circuit’s opinion underscored that the judiciary retains a role in reviewing statutory conditions for troop deployment, while the New York decision reaffirmed congressional mandates that security grants be based on risk assessment rather than political considerations.
—Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025
But the film's authenticity is also underscored by the background sounds of televisions and radios broadcasting information about the Vietnam War, juxtaposing the beauty of everyday life against the political landscape of the time.
—Haadiza Ogwude, Cincinnati Enquirer, 17 Oct. 2025
Noun
New allegations in London underscore Deutsche Bank’s history of enabling risky behavior.
—Lily Mae Lazarus, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2025
According to Andy Heyward, chairman/CEO of Kartoon Studios, portions of Elfman’s theme will be incorporated into the underscore of the episodes.
—Melinda Newman, Billboard, 25 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for underscore
Cite this Entry
“Underscore.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underscore. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share