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 Just as some young workers must be redirected from the firms that are de-emphasizing entry-level work, small business owners need to invest in training them. — Revana Sharfuddin, Twin Cities, 31 May 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for de-emphasize

Recent Examples of Synonyms for de-emphasize

Verb

This line is increasing sustainable sourcing, minimizing landfill waste, and conserving fresh water, among many initiatives.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Sep. 2026
Their expertise can minimize the amount of time that games are delayed.

— Chris Vagasky, The Conversation, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of minimize

Verb

And that’s growing, even though, for a while, the issues seem to almost have been downplayed in the official media discourse.

— Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 18 Sep. 2026
If a third of that pool has smoothed over an age, downplayed a caregiving responsibility or held back an honest opinion online, that manager is working from an edited pool without knowing it.

— Houman Akhavan, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of downplay

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

Browse Nearby Words

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 24 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of de-emphasize

verb

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