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

But this is what the All-Star Game not only allows but accentuates — the opportunity to talk about the individual. — Sam McDowell 7, Kansas City Star, 7 July 2026

The common thread between these two looks is the triangle halter neckline, with straps that meet at the neck and accentuates the shoulders. — Tatiana Ojea, Glamour, 5 July 2026

Her hair is almost exactly the same length throughout, but the top is slightly longer to accentuate her coils. — Audrey Noble, InStyle, 2 July 2026

Attraction Of Two Distinct Towns Both Munich and Dresden carry their own attraction for startups, whilst their proximity and connectivity accentuates it. — Gaurav Sharma, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026