Synonyms of accentuate

accentuate

verb

ik-ˈsen(t)-shə-ˌwāt 

1

as in to emphasize

to indicate the importance of by centering attention on

let's accentuate the saxophones during this piece by having the sax players stand up

Synonyms & Similar Words

• emphasize
• highlight
• stress
• feature
• accent
• punctuate
• identify
• illuminate
• point (up)
• focus
• foreground
• promote
• play up
• bear down on
• make much of
• pinpoint
• press
• advertise
• publicize
• spotlight
• boost
• plug
• overplay

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• tone (down)
• minimize
• play down
• understate
• de-emphasize
• underemphasize
• disparage
• belittle
• discount

2

as in to enhance

to make markedly greater in measure or degree

the foul weather merely accentuated my feelings of depression

Synonyms & Similar Words

• enhance
• intensify
• heighten
• deepen
• strengthen
• consolidate
• reinforce
• amplify
• emphasize
• magnify
• boost
• broaden
• sharpen
• step up
• redouble
• expand
• beef (up)
• augment
• maximize
• lengthen
• extend
• enforce
• accelerate
• amp (up)
• enlarge
• hasten
• supplement
• point (up)
• exacerbate
• enliven
• quicken
• stress
• aggravate
• jazz (up)
• restrengthen

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• reduce
• decrease
• diminish
• moderate
• tone (down)
• lessen
• abate
• weaken
• subdue
• recede
• alleviate
• subside
• lighten
• ease
• let up (on)
• dwindle
• wane
• taper (off)

3

as in to reinforce

to make more apparent

unfortunately, the new bedspread just accentuates the dinginess of the curtains behind the bed

Synonyms & Similar Words

• emphasize
• reinforce
• enhance
• deepen
• underline
• underscore
• stress
• strengthen
• bring out
• amplify
• maximize
• augment
• heighten
• supplement
• italicize
• enlarge
• magnify
• boost
• enliven
• beef (up)
• jazz (up)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• reduce
• minimize
• de-emphasize
• decrease
• diminish
• tone (down)
• weaken
• lessen
• understate
• subdue

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of accentuate

Then proceeded to apply my lipstick in a way that accentuated my Cupid's bow. — Sean Joseph Outkick, FOXNews.com, 10 Sep. 2026

An off-white, open-neck top with black fringe across the front and shoulders accentuates the geometric appeal of her geisha-like vibe. — Lily Moayeri, SPIN, 8 Sep. 2026

But much of the fall reflects a genuine shift from wages to profits, which agentic models could accentuate. — John Cassidy, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2026

Pair light brown ankle boots with a crisp cigarette jean to accentuate the color contrast, then stick with neutrals up top to ensure there’s no clash between the contentious hues. — Abby Morgan Lebet, Glamour, 7 Sep. 2026

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