emphasis

noun

ˈem(p)-fə-səs How to pronounce emphasis (audio)
Definition of emphasisnext
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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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

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 The progression eventually led to a bridal collection introduced roughly three years ago, with plans to place greater emphasis on higher-impact pieces, including larger stones suited to red carpet and celebrity dressing in the fall. — Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 14 July 2026 Other formats mentioned include balanced political talk, non-political talk, and sports, with an emphasis on local teams. — Richard Wagoner, Daily News, 13 July 2026 But the fragmented nature of NPB has placed an emphasis on local revenues for franchises like the Hawks. — Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 13 July 2026 Ecoventura This Galápagos Islands specialist has a handful of Photography Departures that follow the same routes as other sailings, but add an emphasis on wildlife photography. — Kristen E. Pope, Travel + Leisure, 13 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for emphasis
Recent Examples of Synonyms for emphasis
  1. focus
  2. intensity
  3. stress
  4. aggressiveness
  5. weight
  6. attention
Noun
  • Iran’s feat here has wider geopolitical implications about American power and focus.
    — Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 17 July 2026
  • Ukraine’s relative successes on parts of the front line this year, such as successful localized counteroffensives in Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia, can be credited in part to Syrsky’s focus on cultivating manpower and forming assault groups.
    — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 16 July 2026
Definition of focus
Noun
  • No player approaching 40 can press or attack with the same intensity throughout the whole match.
    — Ben Church, CNN Money, 15 July 2026
  • That combination helped the Dream return to their identity and intensity for all four quarters.
    — Micahya Costen, AJC.com, 14 July 2026
Definition of intensity
Noun
  • Duell said the constant stress of caring for her child has led to numerous health problems, including gut pain and heart palpitations.
    — O. Rose Broderick, STAT, 13 July 2026
  • Ask about restraint systems, since grooming loops and harnesses should secure the animal without causing stress or restricting breathing.
    — Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 13 July 2026
Definition of stress
Noun
  • No matter how much confidence and aggressiveness Zverev is playing with, the final is still Sinner’s to lose.
    — Ava Wallace, New York Times, 12 July 2026
  • Cannon breaks down the accountability, aggressiveness and the perspective needed to play effective defense after the team’s reset week.
    — John W. Davis, Oc Register, 5 July 2026
Definition of aggressiveness
Noun
  • There’s a bunch of new things across most of the 2026 range, mainly cosmetic, but also hardware and weight-saving stuff as well.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 July 2026
  • When a squirrel climbs atop its roof or perches, the feeder registers its heavier weight and automatically closes its four ports.
    — Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 July 2026
Definition of weight
Noun
  • Hernan Lopez is president of Owl & Co, an advisory firm focused on media and the attention economy.
    — Hernan Lopez, Variety, 10 July 2026
  • Broad panels open the interiors to water and sky, allowing the lake to enter the home without the structure competing for attention.
    — Spencer Elliott, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
Definition of attention

Browse Nearby Words

emphases
emphasis
emphasize
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Cite this Entry

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on emphasis

Nglish: Translation of emphasis for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about emphasis

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