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

Fahy’s bob featured very subtle graduated feathering at the front, accentuating bright blonde face-framing money pieces and golden highlights as well as a deep brunette base at her roots. — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 27 Oct. 2026

The shadow did most of the heavy lifting, with only a touch of liner and mascara to further accentuate Theron's eyes. — Kara Nesvig, Allure, 26 Oct. 2026

The body was laid bare, via dramatic cutouts, lingerie, transparent and transluscent garments, to accentuate the form. — Rachael Akhidenor, Vogue, 19 Oct. 2026

Either way, Rahimi balances the character’s clear vulnerability with just enough ambiguity about his plans for the school, accentuated through Majidi’s restrained and naturalistic approach. — Kambole Campbell, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026

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