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

The overall messaging of the new cross-border retail push is an emphasis on continuity over novelty. — Karen Koehler, Miami Herald, 9 Sep. 2026

Archer was raised Buddhist, and its emphasis on ritual and spirituality eased her transition into spellwork. — Chelsea Bailey, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2026

Advocates have said that amid the movement's strong emphasis on forgiveness, victims have been pressured to reconcile with abusers and not to seek prosecution outside the disciplines of the largely closed religious communities. — CBS News, 9 Sep. 2026

The reason for these films’ emphasis on the many threads and trends of personality is, above all, youth. — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 9 Sep. 2026