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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of accentuate
Diaz, who has returned to the red carpet circuit in recent weeks while promoting her new Apple TV+ film Outcome, accentuated her features with a deep mauve lip color, a soft smoky eyeshadow, and sculpted cheeks.
—
Lara Walsh, InStyle, 15 Mar. 2026
In the principal bedroom, most of the work involved updating the decor, starting with a custom bed with a fringe, curtains, and a chandelier to accentuate the space.
—Annabelle Dufraigne, Architectural Digest, 14 Mar. 2026
Pepper and honey accentuate the flavors of the fresh herbs and tangy goat cheese.
—Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 14 Mar. 2026
The actor himself handpicked the decidedly glitzy trio from the archives to accentuate Ken’s bold persona and flashy style.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 10 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for accentuate
Lara Walsh, InStyle, 15 Mar. 2026
In the principal bedroom, most of the work involved updating the decor, starting with a custom bed with a fringe, curtains, and a chandelier to accentuate the space.
—Annabelle Dufraigne, Architectural Digest, 14 Mar. 2026
Pepper and honey accentuate the flavors of the fresh herbs and tangy goat cheese.
—Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 14 Mar. 2026
The actor himself handpicked the decidedly glitzy trio from the archives to accentuate Ken’s bold persona and flashy style.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 10 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for accentuate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for accentuate
Verb
-
Not long after October 7th, on a Zoom call with more than a hundred influential figures in Hollywood, Brous emphasized her profound sympathy for Israelis; two board members at her synagogue had relatives in Israel who’d been killed or kidnapped by Hamas.—
Eyal Press,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
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Writers said the article emphasized findings that were subjective and susceptible to bias.—
David Hilzenrath,
USA Today,
29 Mar. 2026
Verb
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By enabling submarines to deploy and recover unmanned vehicles while remaining hidden, the technology enhances both mission flexibility and operational safety.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
26 Mar. 2026
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The new definition of Mormon perfection looks different now, but that’s not to say the pursuit of looking naturally beautiful is easier than looking artificially enhanced.—
Elizabeth Gulino,
Allure,
26 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The nurses hope high-profile government campaigns like the measles effort will reinforce the importance of vaccines in the public mind.—
Katie Silver,
NPR,
28 Mar. 2026
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Its global reach, omnichannel capabilities, and secure end-to-end solutions create high switching costs for multinational clients, reinforcing its competitive moat.—
Justin Zacks,
CNBC,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Photos highlight artist performances, fan reactions and standout moments from the Main Stage, Worldwide Stage, Megastructure, The Cove, Live Stage, UMF Radio and Oasis, with major sets from Steve Aoki, Hardwell, Carl Cox, Armin Van Buuren and others drawing some of the day’s biggest crowds.—
Miami Herald newsroom,
Miami Herald,
29 Mar. 2026
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Welcome to the Friday, March 27, 2026, private school baseball and softball edition of the Fastball, a Star-Telegram series highlighting Fort Worth-area teams.—
Darren Lauber,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
28 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The backlash intensified because of timing.—
Jesus Mesa,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2026
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Most importantly, the legislation intensified punishments for those with prior convictions, with the worst offenders looking at a first-degree felony with up to 30 years imprisonment.—
Sean M. Cleary,
Sun Sentinel,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Coach Erik Spoelstra in recent days has insisted that the Heat only can be the best version of themselves with Powell and Herro thriving as starters, stressing a commitment to such an approach, one now again derailed at least for another night.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
29 Mar. 2026
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At the same time, your friend appears to be stressed because of her work schedule.—
Abigail Van Buren,
Boston Herald,
29 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Tensions were heightened recently when the General Synod failed to agree on reforms related to same-sex unions, leaving one of the most delicate debates for the institution’s future unresolved.—
Stefania Conrieri,
Vanity Fair,
27 Mar. 2026
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That anxiety is only heightened after the couple arrives at Nicky’s family’s winter cabin, where they’re set to be married in five days.—
Louis Peitzman,
Vulture,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
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That silence has only deepened scrutiny.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
27 Mar. 2026
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Thousands of Shahed drones have pummeled the Persian Gulf this month, hitting hotels, airports, seaports, desalination plants, and energy infrastructure, and deepening the worst oil-price shock in modern history.—
Simon Shuster,
The Atlantic,
27 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Accentuate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/accentuate. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
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