Synonyms of emphasis

emphasis

noun

ˈem(p)-fə-səs 

1

as in focus

a special notice or importance given to something

a prep school with a long-established emphasis on sports

Synonyms & Similar Words

• focus
• stress
• weight
• attention
• accent
• accentuation
• concentration
• value
• underscoring
• spotlight
• significance
• consideration
• priority
• import
• moment
• consequence
• precedence
• primacy
• worth
• note
• regard
• heed
• top billing

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• minimization
• de-emphasis
• indifference
• disregard
• underemphasis

2

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

• intensity
• intenseness
• aggressiveness
• assertiveness
• violence
• strength
• vigorousness
• forcefulness
• vehemence
• fierceness
• insistence
• warmth
• power
• potency
• eloquence
• fervor
• directness
• passion
• stridency
• fervency
• vividness
• ardor
• straightforwardness
• clearness
• plainness
• vociferousness
• incisiveness
• ardency
• incision
• fervidness
• absoluteness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• weakness
• ambiguity
• subtlety
• mildness
• feebleness
• lightness
• equivocation
• delicacy

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of emphasis

Fourteen different colors are available to choose from for most of the shoe’s elements, with an emphasis placed primarily on greyscale and neutrals. — Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 28 Oct. 2026

Style isn’t only about adding something; sometimes moving the emphasis to a bright shoe or a bag carried differently is enough. — Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 28 Oct. 2026

If pursued judiciously, this emphasis on security will not hinder cooperation between the United States and its allies but rather strengthen it. — Sam Mullins, Foreign Affairs, 28 Oct. 2026

Either way, Ferrol will become the latest Spanish city to bet its economic future on hosting Chinese companies compatible with the country’s emphasis on green technology. — Jason Horowitz, New York Times, 28 Oct. 2026