EMPHASIS Synonyms: 67 Similar and Opposite Words

emphasis

noun

ˈem(p)-fə-səs

Definition of emphasis

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

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 That emphasis on people, not just the solutions themselves, also underpins the Global Change Award, which prioritizes developing the changemaker behind each concept, Dolva said. — Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2026 Instead, the emphasis is on cultivating relationships that could lead to financing, production support or future collaborations. — Essie Assibu, Variety, 21 Oct. 2026 That dissatisfaction, driven in large part by the federal government’s energy policies, comes as Canadian leaders are placing particular emphasis on national unity. — Chantelle Lee, Time, 20 Oct. 2026 So far this follows a familiar pattern, but what distinguishes the Left Book Club was its emphasis on activism. — Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for emphasis

Recent Examples of Synonyms for emphasis

Noun

Much like the brand, which leans toward natural fibers and emphasizes sustainability, the focus here is on the surrounding sea and forest.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Oct. 2026
The issue of compounding safety became a greater focus for the FDA after a deadly outbreak of fungal meningitis in 2012 was linked to contaminated injections from a Massachusetts compounding pharmacy.

— ABC News, ABC News, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of focus

Noun

For a while, the music hangs there, pieces echoing each other with increasing intensity.

— Vanessa Ague, Pitchfork, 29 Oct. 2026
The 13-inch Neo is designed to handle low-intensity productivity tasks, browsing, streaming, and AI features for students, families, and first-time Mac buyers.

— Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of intensity

Noun

Smiling can affect one's level of cortisol, a hormone the body releases partly to help regulate stress and mood, according to Ho.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026
Human rights groups have long warned of the undue stress suspects in Japan are subject to during detention, ranging from aggressive questioning tactics to the lack of access to lawyers.

— Hanako Montgomery, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of stress

Noun

Higher energy density could allow automakers to achieve longer driving ranges without increasing battery size or weight.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 23 Oct. 2026
Flight imposes strict weight limits, so birds pack enormous numbers of very small neurons into very small brains.

— Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of weight

Noun

The Sun enters your 12th House, drawing your attention toward rest, reflection, privacy, unfinished matters, and everything easier to hear when the outside world becomes less demanding.

— Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 23 Oct. 2026
If they really can’t be bothered to show some respect then we shouldn’t be bothered enough to give them our attention and money.

— Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of attention

Browse Nearby Words

emphases

emphasis

emphasize

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Emphasis.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/emphasis. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of emphasis

noun

Example Sentences

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