DE-EMPHASIZE Synonyms: 39 Similar and Opposite Words

de-emphasize

verb

(ˌ)dē-ˈem(p)-fə-ˌsīz

Definition of de-emphasize

as in to minimize

to reduce in apparent importance you're at a point in your career where you can de-emphasize your academic record and emphasize your work experience

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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 de-emphasize At the very least, players and parents feel the university is de-emphasizing its support for lacrosse. — Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 27 May 2026 Along with his predecessor Pam Bondi, Blanche oversaw a Justice Department that radically de-emphasized the prosecution of white-collar crimes, like the kind the Kaplan twins were convicted of. — Noah Shachtman, Vanity Fair, 26 May 2026 However, Sempra is in the process of de-emphasizing its LNG investments. — Rob Nikolewski, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026 Old-line liberals have blasted the democratic socialist for de-emphasizing a police presence in favor of volunteers and contract workers armed with little more than overdose kits, notepads and phone numbers. — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 22 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for de-emphasize

Recent Examples of Synonyms for de-emphasize

Verb

Prosecutors revealed Davis’ admittedly big mouth had been opening to investigators since 1998 – only two years after Shakur was gunned down – in a series of secret interviews trying to minimize his own legal damage by giving information to the cops.

— Andy Rose, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026
This is intended to minimize degradation, reducing contrast decay and improving light projection reliability, ultimately extending the screen's lifespan.

— Michael Lydick, PC Magazine, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of minimize

Verb

Quincy Mayor Tom Koch is not backing down and has downplayed the religious meaning of the statues.

— Neal Riley, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
The Treasury Department has previously warned Chinese financial institutions that they could be sanctioned, but in public statements, top administration officials have downplayed China's role in the conflict.

— Chris Boccia, ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of downplay

Verb

Zhykovych’s lawyer, Anatoliy Ivanov, dismissed the allegations, telling CNN that Reut was the organizer and killer and was seeking to shift the blame onto Zhykovych.

— Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026
Chauvin is looking to have his conviction vacated and the charges dismissed.

— Riley Moser, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of dismiss

Verb

Its screenplay, which Dolan hatched in collaboration with three others, tries to soft-pedal predictable beats that nonetheless end up the only ones getting beaten.

— Dennis Harvey, Variety, 5 Aug. 2026
But Paddy’s isn’t Sudz, and the Gang’s efforts to soft-pedal their antics to be more in line with those mainstream bars devolved into typical Sunny-style hostility and off-putting grossness.

— Dennis Perkins, Entertainment Weekly, 28 July 2026

Definition of soft-pedal

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de-emphasis

de-emphasize

de-emphasized

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“De-emphasize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/de-emphasize. Accessed 27 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of de-emphasize

verb

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