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
Overall, these changes reflect a broader Florida legislative trend for greater emphasis on accountability and transparency for associations.
—
Evonne Andris, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2026
The Hospitality Minnesota report and policy recommendations focus significantly on labor costs and regulations and place comparatively less emphasis on other challenges facing the restaurant industry, including rising food costs and lower customer traffic.
—Jared Kaufman, Twin Cities, 9 Apr. 2026
Chernyshov is a big, strong (6-foot-3, about 200 pounds) winger and modern power-forward type where driving is a part of his identity, but not to a bullish fault as his only focus, and his skill/finesse might take on greater emphasis.
—Scott Wheeler, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026
There was also an emphasis on going out to right field more often.
—Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 8 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for emphasis
Evonne Andris, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2026
The Hospitality Minnesota report and policy recommendations focus significantly on labor costs and regulations and place comparatively less emphasis on other challenges facing the restaurant industry, including rising food costs and lower customer traffic.
—Jared Kaufman, Twin Cities, 9 Apr. 2026
Chernyshov is a big, strong (6-foot-3, about 200 pounds) winger and modern power-forward type where driving is a part of his identity, but not to a bullish fault as his only focus, and his skill/finesse might take on greater emphasis.
—Scott Wheeler, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026
There was also an emphasis on going out to right field more often.
—Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 8 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for emphasis
Recent Examples of Synonyms for emphasis
Noun
-
Local fire officials said the focus right now is preparation, before any flames ever start.—
Spencer Wilson,
CBS News,
13 Apr. 2026
-
With Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán conceding the election to opposition leader Péter Magyar’s Tisza party, the focus of Hungarian news media is trying to gauge the size of the party’s future majority.—
Ivana Kottasová,
CNN Money,
12 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Johnson was already well aware of Wilkins’ intensity.—
Scott M. Reid,
Oc Register,
17 Apr. 2026
-
And yet the Panthers laid it all out on the ice all season, playing with the same intensity as the past three years even if the names on the backs of the jerseys weren’t the ones Panthers fans were normally accustomed to seeing by season’s end.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
16 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
This letter writer has no idea the stress and concern parents feel for a child who may be experiencing a difficult time in his life.—
R. Eric Thomas,
Mercury News,
13 Apr. 2026
-
Leaning on a colleague or a partner at home to share responsibilities lessens stress on one person.—
Metro Creative Services,
Boston Herald,
13 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
For many young Indian women, the change also carries symbolic weight.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
16 Apr. 2026
-
Russ shifted his weight and rested his arm on the back of Cherry’s chair.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
15 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
However, her production dipped late in the year, particularly in SEC play, as her aggressiveness attacking the rim declined.—
Aaron Segal,
Kansas City Star,
4 Apr. 2026
-
Colorado’s aggressiveness with trading away draft picks and prospects to help the NHL club’s pursuit of a Stanley Cup has often left the organization’s pipeline thin, but also provides opportunities for undrafted players like Logan O’Connor and Sam Malinski to earn chances and thrive.—
Corey Masisak,
Denver Post,
30 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
This week’s wellness trends highlight what’s worth your attention and what may not live up to the hype.—
Abby Norman,
Verywell Health,
13 Apr. 2026
-
The food is elegant yet playful with impeccable attention to detail.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
13 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Emphasis.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/emphasis. Accessed 18 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
