1
as in emphasizing
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 intensifying
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 reinforcing
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 accentuating
The formula is also transfer- and waterproof, resisting creasing, fading, sweat, and humidity without settling into fine lines or accentuating texture.
—
Jailynn Taylor, Allure, 13 June 2026
Wembanyama has always looked to cauterize weaknesses before accentuating strengths.
—Jared Weiss, New York Times, 10 June 2026
Have fun with this paint color by accentuating the door's hardware or using a wreath to add warmth.
—Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 26 May 2026
Zara Larsson Zara Larsson’s ever-changing makeup aesthetic continued on Thursday with a melting pot of tropical hues pooling over her eyes and a brown-taupe liner accentuating the shape of her lips.
—Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 22 May 2026
Suspecting that the bumbling local policeman, Officer Tim Derry (Nicholas Braun, accentuating the goofiness), is wrong in his conclusion that George simply died of a heart attack, Lily rallies her fellow sheep to help solve the murder.
—Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 27 Apr. 2026
His face, always stationed somewhere halfway to hangdog, seems to gain 20 new creases carved deep into his skin, accentuating his mournful eyes and his excruciated, heartbroken smile.
—Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 17 Apr. 2026
Despite their over-the-top reputations, their contributions are less about adding a boisterous EDM drop and more about accentuating Toki’s strengths.
—E.r. Pulgar, Pitchfork, 16 Apr. 2026
Macpherson let her natural beauty shine with minimal glam, accentuating her features with a soft peach flush on her cheekbones and lips.
—Lara Walsh, InStyle, 1 Apr. 2026
Jailynn Taylor, Allure, 13 June 2026
Wembanyama has always looked to cauterize weaknesses before accentuating strengths.
—Jared Weiss, New York Times, 10 June 2026
Have fun with this paint color by accentuating the door's hardware or using a wreath to add warmth.
—Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 26 May 2026
Zara Larsson Zara Larsson’s ever-changing makeup aesthetic continued on Thursday with a melting pot of tropical hues pooling over her eyes and a brown-taupe liner accentuating the shape of her lips.
—Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 22 May 2026
Suspecting that the bumbling local policeman, Officer Tim Derry (Nicholas Braun, accentuating the goofiness), is wrong in his conclusion that George simply died of a heart attack, Lily rallies her fellow sheep to help solve the murder.
—Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 27 Apr. 2026
His face, always stationed somewhere halfway to hangdog, seems to gain 20 new creases carved deep into his skin, accentuating his mournful eyes and his excruciated, heartbroken smile.
—Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 17 Apr. 2026
Despite their over-the-top reputations, their contributions are less about adding a boisterous EDM drop and more about accentuating Toki’s strengths.
—E.r. Pulgar, Pitchfork, 16 Apr. 2026
Macpherson let her natural beauty shine with minimal glam, accentuating her features with a soft peach flush on her cheekbones and lips.
—Lara Walsh, InStyle, 1 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for accentuating
Verb
-
Book warned that these conditions pose significant dangers for those living on the streets, emphasizing that even when temperatures dip slightly below 110 degrees, the heat remains hazardous for those suffering from dehydration.—
Manuel Bojorquez,
CBS News,
18 June 2026
-
Amazon aims to bridge immediate post-disaster gaps, emphasizing proactive community engagement and coordination, while acknowledging that portable tech supports, but doesn't replace, long-term resilience investments.—
Monica Sanders,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2026
Verb
-
At the same time, the pace of technological change is accelerating, and global competition is intensifying.—
Rachel Nuwer,
Scientific American,
16 June 2026
-
The upward pressure is intensifying this week as derivatives and other kinds of secondary financial instruments related to SpaceX go live.—
Tobias Burns,
CNBC,
16 June 2026
Verb
-
For the first time on Shark Week, the full range of great white hunting tactics will be revealed, reinforcing their status as one of the ocean’s top predator.—
Denise Petski,
Deadline,
18 June 2026
-
Research from McKinsey & Company found that companies in the top quartile for ethnic diversity are 39% more likely to outperform financially than those in the bottom quartile, reinforcing the growing business case for inclusive leadership.—
Jack Hayes,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2026
Verb
-
In the last full-scale drill three years ago, crews simulated a hostage situation involving an explosive device, highlighting how the scenarios evolve over time.—
Hannah McIlree,
CBS News,
17 June 2026
-
The event also included a special coronation honoring Derek, highlighting the inspiration behind the project and the impact the new space will have on pediatric patients and their families.—
Amari Riley,
Charlotte Observer,
17 June 2026
Verb
-
Inside Ecole National Republique de Colombie in the Turgeau neighborhood where 1,246 individuals live in squalor, residents uprooted by gangs described lives defined by deepening hunger and increasingly inhumane conditions.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
17 June 2026
-
Alo, the fashion and wellness brand best known for its athleisure, is deepening its beauty offering with two introductions.—
Kathryn Hopkins,
Footwear News,
16 June 2026
Verb
-
Styles like feed-in braids, braided top knots, and cornrow bobs can create the illusion of fullness without stressing fragile strands.—
Omenaa Boakye,
InStyle,
15 June 2026
-
Television commentators make that distinction, stressing that Arab Shia are fellow citizens, were before 1979, and will be after this conflict fades.—
Mohammed Sergie,
semafor.com,
15 June 2026
Verb
-
Layered cuts and bangs can add dimension and reduce weight, enhancing the overall look of thick hair.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
16 June 2026
-
The district’s priorities include sustaining full-day kindergarten in all elementary schools, providing free breakfast for all students, enhancing mental health training and resources for students and staff, expanding career technical education and opening new pre-K centers.—
Becca Savransky,
Idaho Statesman,
16 June 2026
Verb
-
Perhaps one of the most famous rooms in the palace is the Hall of Mirrors featuring heavily ornate Baroque style gallery of mirrors.—
Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy,
USA Today,
18 June 2026
-
He was originally spotted by the Swiss side when featuring for his country in the Toulon under-20 tournament four years ago.—
Simon Hughes,
New York Times,
17 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Accentuating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/accentuating. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
