EMPHASIZE Synonyms: 57 Similar and Opposite Words

emphasize

verb

ˈem(p)-fə-ˌsīz

Definition of emphasize

as in to highlight

to indicate the importance of by centering attention on supermarket tabloids that emphasize sensational news stories

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to reinforce

to make more apparent that huge belt buckle only emphasizes his big gut

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of emphasize Druids are often animists, thereby emphasizing respectful relationships with animals, plants, and physical places. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Aug. 2026 Makeup artist Nina Soriano emphasizes the importance of the lower lash line in completing the face’s frame. — Micaela English, Glamour, 14 Aug. 2026 As All In Build Continues Looking ahead, Rashad emphasized that legacy is not simply something inherited, but something actively created and passed forward. — Dominique Fluker, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026 The company emphasized that Quintus was designed to work with the complexity of supply chain data and decision-making. — Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for emphasize

Recent Examples of Synonyms for emphasize

Verb

The Moon enters Sagittarius and your 3rd House of Communication, highlighting calls, messages, errands, siblings, neighbors, and daily logistics.

— Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 20 Aug. 2026
Dining options all take advantage of the indoor-outdoor living the island thrives on, and are framed by beautiful views highlighting the craggy stretch of coast Domes sits on.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of highlight

Verb

The buffers that have minimized the disruption so far will hold for only so long and must be reinforced if the world is to endure future shocks.

— Jason Bordoff, Foreign Affairs, 14 Aug. 2026
Human-scale FloatForms will require reinforced and even mechanically interlocked latches as well as GPS or visual sensing.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of reinforce

Verb

The sprawling, lushly landscaped grounds feature a large main pool as well as a separate, quieter adults-only pool, all overlooking the ocean.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Aug. 2026
Denver Fire Department The building was constructed in 1921 and features two dance floors and a 4,000-square-foot main ballroom.

— Christa Swanson, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of feature

Verb

The retail offering was oversubscribed 5,500 times, underscoring intense investor demand for the profitable company, which shipped 5,500 humanoids in 2025.

— John Koetsier, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026
Four of the eight resulted in gains and four in losses, underscoring the lack of a clear directional signal.

— Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of underscore

Verb

On Sunday, Beshear stressed that McConnell must do more to assure Kentuckians of his ability to carry out the role as senator.

— Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 16 Aug. 2026
Turkey has stressed that the agreement is defensive and does not identify Iran or any other country as an enemy.

— Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of stress

Verb

At West Ham, Fernandes enhanced his reputation as a player who can not only drive his team forward but also play a key role out of possession, defending on the front foot.

— Cerys Jones, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
Vuong’s photographs are displayed rather conventionally on the gallery walls, but the viewing experience is enhanced by images of his that have been printed on cloth banners that hang in the center of the space.

— Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of enhance

Verb

The profit boosts underline criticism from some shippers that surcharges meant to recoup rising oil costs due to the war in Iran are sometimes excessive.

— Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 19 Aug. 2026
Chris Wood’s minor injury struggles in pre-season and long-serving Taiwo Awoniyi’s departure to Coventry in a £9million move have both underlined why the club are still pursuing another striker.

— Paul Taylor, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of underline

Verb

As China’s strategic rivalry with the US and its allies deepens, Beijing has broadened its anti-espionage campaign, casting suspicious eyes on foreign ties amid concerns about the leak of state secrets.

— Sylvie Zhuang, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
Savoring distinguishes itself from gratitude and mindfulness by actively deepening present joys.

— Kevin Kruse, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of deepen

Browse Nearby Words

emphasis

emphasize

emphasized

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Emphasize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/emphasize. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of emphasize

verb

Example Sentences

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