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
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 accentuate
Her wispy curtain bangs were also accentuated at the front, grazing her temples.
—
Ranyechi Udemezue, Vogue, 27 Oct. 2025
This hairstyle is often used to accentuate and frame the face, highlighting one’s natural features.
—Essence, 21 Oct. 2025
Pair it with a belt and matching earrings to complete the look, or opt for a long necklace to accentuate the neckline with an understated style.
—Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 20 Oct. 2025
The collapse of the Soviet Union, in 1991, only accentuated their hardships.
—Julia Ioffe, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for accentuate
Ranyechi Udemezue, Vogue, 27 Oct. 2025
This hairstyle is often used to accentuate and frame the face, highlighting one’s natural features.
—Essence, 21 Oct. 2025
Pair it with a belt and matching earrings to complete the look, or opt for a long necklace to accentuate the neckline with an understated style.
—Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 20 Oct. 2025
The collapse of the Soviet Union, in 1991, only accentuated their hardships.
—Julia Ioffe, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for accentuate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for accentuate
Verb
-
In response, the White House is planning to adjust its messaging strategy to focus on affordability to try to win over voters who are worried about the high cost of living with plans to emphasize new tax breaks and show progress on fighting inflation.—
Michelle L. Price,
Fortune,
9 Nov. 2025
-
The Texas native explained that Cruise emphasized the physical reality of stuntwork and the importance of discipline.—
Ashley Hume,
FOXNews.com,
9 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Since 2019, California has partnered with jurisdictions in 28 countries—touching more than a quarter of the world’s population, with a combined GDP in the tens of trillions of dollars—to cut greenhouse gases, enhance climate resilience and develop clean energy.—
MSNBC Newsweek,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
-
The stretchy cuffs help lock in heat, while the palm side has grip-enhancing rubber details.—
Nicol Natale,
PEOPLE,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
As the fireline is constructed, inspected or reinforced, mappers record those details to adjust the containment percentage.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
11 Nov. 2025
-
The initiative is structured around three sequential and mutually reinforcing workstreams that aim to accelerate lowering emissions, boosting efficiency and building long-term resilience.—
Alexandra Harrell,
Sourcing Journal,
10 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Their decision has highlighted deep divisions over legislative priorities and political strategy as lawmakers scramble to resolve the shutdown and address its nationwide consequences.—
Deputy News Editor,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 Nov. 2025
-
The team highlighted that perovskite materials remain vulnerable to moisture, oxygen, ultraviolet light, and temperature fluctuations, all of which degrade performance over time.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
11 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Violence has intensified, humanitarian aid remains blocked, and political prisoners, including my mother, remain behind bars.—
Kim Aris,
Time,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Yet even among a number of Christians seeking to raise awareness and intensify efforts to put an end to systematic abuses committed by Boko Haram and other jihadi movements, the prospect of foreign intervention raises serious concerns.—
Tom O'Connor,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Researchers also stressed that the synergistic effect of K+ and C3N4 co-intercalation lowers the energy barrier, reduces the electrostatic interaction, and enhances the kinetics and structural stability.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
6 Nov. 2025
-
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has warned that controllers are becoming increasingly overworked and financially stressed because of the shutdown.—
Jasmine Laws,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Having that rejection at the beginning of the movie sets the tone for my character where everything is just heightened.—
Breanne L. Heldman,
PEOPLE,
9 Nov. 2025
-
The parade’s mission is to recognize veterans’ sacrifices and heighten community appreciation of military service, its website states.—
Idaho Statesman,
Idaho Statesman,
8 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Congress members’ own backgrounds, largely shaped by selective public and private universities, only deepen the disconnect.—
Yolanda Watson Spiva,
Fortune,
8 Nov. 2025
-
This experience has deepened my faith and commitment to working for His kingdom as a true follower of Jesus Christ.—
Ryan Morik,
FOXNews.com,
8 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Accentuate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/accentuate. Accessed 14 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share