EMPHASIS Synonyms: 67 Similar and Opposite Words

emphasis

noun

ˈem(p)-fə-səs

Definition of emphasis

as in focus

a special notice or importance given to something a prep school with a long-established emphasis on sports

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in intensity

the quality or state of being forceful (as in expression) the emphasis with which my parents issued the warning about smoking left no doubt that they were serious

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 emphasis That emphasis on representation resonates with Kimberly Vincent, owner of Top Notch Vegan Vittles, who is returning for her second year as an Uplift vendor. — Kansas City Star, 15 Oct. 2026 The economy is growing strongly so the FOMC can place more emphasis on the inflation mandate. — Fred Imbert, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2026 As for the pass rush unit specifically, there’s been an emphasis in meetings and practice this week on increasing the sack and pressure output. — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Oct. 2026 The resort’s Brandi Land campus is designed to foster a welcoming, inclusive environment, with a particular emphasis on the festival’s predominantly LGBTQ+ community. — Spin Staff, SPIN, 13 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for emphasis

Recent Examples of Synonyms for emphasis

Noun

Photographed and directed by Gabriel Moses, the campaign brings each icon into sharp focus, placing them at the center of a crowd as a powerful expression of individuality.

— Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026
The focus was how AI can be integrated and optimize the existing business – rather than presentation of noisy (and controversial) slates of AI TV shows and movies.

— Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of focus

Noun

The intensity of their yearning has only increased on their second album, Nature’s Pill—and that’s no easy feat, considering this is a band whose breakout track opens with the narrator prostrating himself before the object of his affection.

— Colin Joyce, Pitchfork, 14 Oct. 2026
But Whalefall is no match for the earlier film’s suspense and intensity.

— David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of intensity

Noun

Erik Neander’s Oura Ring, a device that monitors heart rate and stress among other functions, had been busy in the days leading up to and during the American League Division Series against the Yankees.

— Marc Topkin, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 Oct. 2026
Although this is small compared with the water use of sectors such as agriculture and electricity generation, the concentration of data centers in water-scarce regions may exacerbate existing water stress.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of stress

Noun

Amalia Ulman’s 2025 film Magic Farm, about an American team’s desperation to manufacture a viral trend in rural Argentina, is minor cringe for its pleasurable skewering of the attention economy.

— Eugenie Brinkema, ARTnews.com, 17 Oct. 2026
No one was standing over my shoulder telling me to pay it special attention, but I was mesmerized.

— Joan Martelli, Time, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of attention

Browse Nearby Words

emphases

emphasis

emphasize

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Emphasis.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/emphasis. Accessed 17 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of emphasis

noun

Example Sentences

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