1
as in emphasizes
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 enhances
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 reinforces
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 accentuates
The depth of the black color calls for an inevitable opportunity to detect imperfections, as its sheen actually accentuates flyaways or fractured strands more under light.
—
Noel Cymone Walker, StyleCaster, 1 Apr. 2026
The problem is that there might be historically few at-large berths available to mid-major conferences as the preposterous sums of money coursing through the sport accentuates the divide between the haves and have-nots.
—Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Mar. 2026
Matthew Patrick Davis accentuates with a wink the callowness of Joseph II, an emperor who perhaps sees in Mozart a reflection of his own stunted nature.
—Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2026
Valentine’s Day often only accentuates these feelings.
—wendy Wisner, Parents, 10 Feb. 2026
The case, integrated bracelet, hands, and hour markers are all crafted from 18-karat yellow gold, which further accentuates the gorgeous green hue.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 9 Feb. 2026
Beginning both of those sentences with qualifiers only accentuates how awkward the scene will be next week as Houston’s entire team gathers.
—Chandler Rome, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2026
The New Balance Abzorb 2000 was just released in a new Metallic Silver/Faded Black colorway which accentuates its futuristic design.
—Riley Jones, Footwear News, 3 Feb. 2026
The result is a paint job that interacts with light in a way standard flat or metallic paints cannot, creating a three-dimensional effect that accentuates the car’s volume.
—Karl Brauer, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026
Noel Cymone Walker, StyleCaster, 1 Apr. 2026
The problem is that there might be historically few at-large berths available to mid-major conferences as the preposterous sums of money coursing through the sport accentuates the divide between the haves and have-nots.
—Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Mar. 2026
Matthew Patrick Davis accentuates with a wink the callowness of Joseph II, an emperor who perhaps sees in Mozart a reflection of his own stunted nature.
—Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2026
Valentine’s Day often only accentuates these feelings.
—wendy Wisner, Parents, 10 Feb. 2026
The case, integrated bracelet, hands, and hour markers are all crafted from 18-karat yellow gold, which further accentuates the gorgeous green hue.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 9 Feb. 2026
Beginning both of those sentences with qualifiers only accentuates how awkward the scene will be next week as Houston’s entire team gathers.
—Chandler Rome, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2026
The New Balance Abzorb 2000 was just released in a new Metallic Silver/Faded Black colorway which accentuates its futuristic design.
—Riley Jones, Footwear News, 3 Feb. 2026
The result is a paint job that interacts with light in a way standard flat or metallic paints cannot, creating a three-dimensional effect that accentuates the car’s volume.
—Karl Brauer, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for accentuates
Verb
-
Northrop Grumman emphasizes that the aircraft’s integration with aerial refueling significantly extends its range, enabling longer missions and more efficient test sorties.—
Kaif Shaikh,
Interesting Engineering,
15 Apr. 2026
-
Its elegant glam design emphasizes vibrant hues and sensual curvy lines.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
15 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The zero gravity effects here work extremely well and there's a genuine good-naturedness on display that enhances the true silliness of the moment.—
Jeff Spry,
Space.com,
14 Apr. 2026
-
Gruyère cheese and creamy butter form a rich sauce that enhances the chicken.—
Phoebe Evans,
Southern Living,
13 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Today's decision reinforces that commitment.—
Dan Raby,
CBS News,
15 Apr. 2026
-
Aerial refueling highlights global reach and efficiency Beyond the visual insights, the test reinforces the B-21’s operational concept.—
Kaif Shaikh,
Interesting Engineering,
15 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
But while the report highlights billions in technology spending over several years, the district’s annual budget is far larger, meaning those costs account for a relatively small share of overall spending.—
Teresa Liu,
Daily News,
18 Apr. 2026
-
The study highlights a shift in bioengineering approaches, moving from single-organism engineering toward cooperative microbial systems that behave like living electrical circuits.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
17 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Sounds like a rounding error, but the extra couple of percentage points of creamy fat is what really intensifies the flavor.—
Elliott Harrell,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
13 Apr. 2026
-
The last quarter moon intensifies frustrations today.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
10 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Bissell stresses that consumers should not dispose of the machine, water tank cap, and measuring cup of cleaners, as those parts are not affected.—
Michele Laufik,
Martha Stewart,
10 Apr. 2026
-
There’s a $10 cover charge for the evening, and Stagecoach stresses that Langley will not be in attendance.—
Brayden Garcia,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The effect heightens the romanticism of characters who are no longer lost to us in translation.—
Theater Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Apr. 2026
-
Cancer Neptune in Cancer heightens emotional sensitivity and nostalgia for home, family and heritage.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
10 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Monday features three games with the Cleveland Cavaliers, New York Knicks and Denver Nuggets looking to take 2-0 series leads.—
Dan Santaromita,
New York Times,
20 Apr. 2026
-
The third season of Euphoria, which premiered on HBO Max on April 12, features a five-year time jump, taking the characters from adolescence into young adulthood.—
Katie Mannion,
PEOPLE,
19 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Accentuates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/accentuates. Accessed 21 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
