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

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

The approach underscores the reality of Washington’s precarious position under the thumb of the federal government. —Jill Colvin, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2025

August 14 marks Social Security's 90th anniversary - an achievement underscored by both its longevity and the scale of its impact. —Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Aug. 2025

Noun

The underscore following the word ‘new’ means limitless potential for reinventing themselves. —Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025

Meaningful distinctions between, for example, the tranquil burbling of a creek and the panicked rush of a waterfall underscore the unpredictability of the wilderness. —Judy Berman, Time, 17 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1771, 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