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

The Euphoria star channeled Old Hollywood glamour in a custom black Valentino gown accentuated by a Bulgari choker, studs, and rings. — Shelby Comroe, InStyle, 25 July 2026

The silhouette of this design, created by Victor Edelstein—one of her favorite designers—flattered her figure thanks to the black sash that accentuated her waist and the dress’s strong shoulders. — Marta Martínez Tato, Vanity Fair, 24 July 2026

At Dior, opulent volume played a central role, which was particularly evident in the fashion house’s signature Bar Jackets, whose sweeping peplum cuts clearly accentuated the hip area. — Kelly Niesen, Glamour, 24 July 2026

Her wild mane of curls and satiny crimson gown added a layer of vivid drama to the performance, accentuating her combo’s incendiary world-jazz sound. — Andrew Gilbert, Mercury News, 23 July 2026

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