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
Michelle accentuated her features with her now-signature smoky eyeshadow and nude lip, closing her eyes as her husband—who coordinated with her in a black suit and dress shirt—reacted over to plant a kiss on her cheek.
—
Lara Walsh, InStyle, 15 Feb. 2026
Other patterns and motifs, at varying scales, were then used to accentuate the main selection.
—Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Feb. 2026
The horizontal bands at the waist are smoothing and curve-enhancing, and can be accentuated with a belt to switch things up.
—Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 15 Feb. 2026
By accentuating its own high altitude, the second-year soccer club plans to broaden its goal-scoring menu.
—Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for accentuate
Lara Walsh, InStyle, 15 Feb. 2026
Other patterns and motifs, at varying scales, were then used to accentuate the main selection.
—Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Feb. 2026
The horizontal bands at the waist are smoothing and curve-enhancing, and can be accentuated with a belt to switch things up.
—Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 15 Feb. 2026
By accentuating its own high altitude, the second-year soccer club plans to broaden its goal-scoring menu.
—Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for accentuate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for accentuate
Verb
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As for market exuberance, Silverblatt emphasized the need for investors to be cautious and well-informed.—
John Towfighi,
CNN Money,
16 Feb. 2026
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Both designers emphasize that circus stripes can be calibrated to match your comfort level.—
Kristina McGuirk,
Better Homes & Gardens,
15 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The best eyebrow pencils can help enhance your makeup look by framing your features.—
Alanna Martine Kilkeary,
Glamour,
20 Feb. 2026
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The trilayer device design also helped the researchers develop a model for their observations and further enhance power output by tweaking salt concentrations and nanopillar structures.—
Ameya Paleja,
Interesting Engineering,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
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To reshape the Mountain View pond and reinforce levees against sea-level rise and storm surges, crews imported 180,000 cubic yards of fill dirt from local construction sites.—
Ryan Macasero,
Mercury News,
21 Feb. 2026
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Both names jumped as a result, reinforcing the narrative of relentless AI demand and a fresh wave of hyperscaler spending.—
Morgan Chittum,
CNBC,
21 Feb. 2026
Verb
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One of those is Garcia, who his coach went on to highlight.—
Erik Anderson,
Boston Herald,
22 Feb. 2026
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Poway, the reigning Masters Champion but the runner-up in the Division 2 section finals meet two weeks ago, powered through to retain the Masters team title at 183 points, highlighted by having six finalists and three champions.—
Breven Honda,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
22 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Crisis intensifies Fuel shortages and blackouts have been intensifying in Cuba this month as the nation struggles to import oil for its power plants and refineries.—
Andrea Rodriguez,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Feb. 2026
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This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio stations and available television stations for additional information and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
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That’s a point stressed by Wendy Cukier, president of the Coalition for Gun Control.—
Max Saltman,
CNN Money,
15 Feb. 2026
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Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, Secretary of State Marco Rubio stressed the deep historical ties between the US and Europe.—
J.D. Capelouto,
semafor.com,
15 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Israel’s strikes on Iran in June were preceded by a sophisticated infiltration by Israel’s Mossad spy agency, a tactic that heightened the already paranoid state of the Iranian regime.—
Farida Elsebai,
CNN Money,
20 Feb. 2026
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As much is clear in the vivid animation, layered jokes, and peculiar fixations — an endearing combination that heightens what could’ve been a forgettable series.—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Lopez’s remarks underscore the deepening rift with the union and charter advocates.—
Kate Armanini,
Chicago Tribune,
21 Feb. 2026
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Lula arrived in India for a state visit on Wednesday that will last through to Sunday, seeking to deepen ties with India which, like Brazil, is a founding member of the BRICS+ bloc of developing nations.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
21 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Accentuate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/accentuate. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.
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