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

Founder Hilari Holt launched the event in 2024 with an emphasis on giving Black performers more space to work across different forms of comedy, particularly improv. — Kansas City Star, 1 Oct. 2026

Bitdefender includes cross-platform protection, but Norton 360 Deluxe puts still more emphasis on platforms beyond Windows. — Neil J. Rubenking, PC Magazine, 30 Sep. 2026

Still, the film does, sometimes, push that emphasis too far, especially in this new installment. — Alison Willmore, Vulture, 30 Sep. 2026

The footwear brand places a strong emphasis on spotlighting other designers. — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 30 Sep. 2026