emphases

noun

plural of emphasis
as in stresses
a special notice or importance given to something a prep school with a long-established emphasis on sports

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 emphases Experiment with possible emphases of this puzzle’s revealer, at 55A, to make sense of the grid’s three themed entries. — New York Times, 23 Sep. 2026 No doubt many other religious institutions have seized on the World Cup with these and other emphases, including evangelizing and otherwise stressing their uniqueness. — Vahe Gregorian july 10, Kansas City Star, 10 July 2026 This resulted in a deliberate shifting of certain emphases, new characters being introduced, and other adjustments. — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 30 June 2026 The traditional Quaker emphases of participation and community are embedded in the organization’s structure. — Mary Carole McCauley, Baltimore Sun, 28 June 2026 Hill’s behavior in both cases was egregious, but, whatever the technical reasons for the court’s emphases, her interactions with Crosby almost certainly had the greater impact on the verdict, given that Crosby had strong doubts about Murdaugh’s guilt. — James Lasdun, New Yorker, 26 May 2026 The installation ceremony is rooted in centuries of tradition, even as each new archbishop brings distinct emphases and priorities. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 25 Mar. 2026 With his dweeby air, pretensions and position at the helm of an active production, Arthur is the Liz Lemon of this setup, but with the emphases reversed. — Alison Herman, Variety, 23 Feb. 2026 Congressional committees have pushed back, proposing funding at current levels (albeit with different allocations and emphases). — David A. Brenner, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for emphases
  1. stresses
  2. weights
  3. foci
  4. accents
Noun
  • Together with the recurring rhythm and regular chord changes that help punctuate key vocal stresses, this creates an infectious, easy-to-lock-into, roll-off-the-tongue flow.
    — David Penn, Billboard, 14 Oct. 2026
  • In addition, lines in the stanzas usually alternate between lines of four stresses and three stresses, which defines the ballad’s particular rhythmic pattern, or meter.
    — René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of stresses
Noun
  • Toward more capable robotic manipulation Robotic manipulation remains a major challenge as researchers work to develop machines that can interact reliably with objects of different shapes, weights, and textures.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Pritzker's order also directs the Illinois Department of Transportation to consider extending the Illinois Harvest Permit program, which allows heavier truck weights on specified routes, into 2027.
    — Bernarda Malevska, CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of weights
Noun
  • Central Asia has the largest number of foci, or areas where the disease is present.
    — Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 2026
  • There’s also the Chill and Thrill Islands, aptly named for their focuses on chilling and thrilling passengers, respectively.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of foci
Noun
  • The makeup is top-tier, the Aaliyah swoop bang is swooping, and the jewelry accents stand out without doing too much, which is usually her weak spot.
    — Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 12 Oct. 2026
  • The deep crimson drapes, white tablecloths, and understated gold accents at T’ang evoke a lavish Chinese mansion.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of accents

Browse Nearby Words

emperors
emphases
emphasis
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Cite this Entry

“Emphases.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/emphases. Accessed 16 Oct. 2026.

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