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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 emphasis on hospitality comes as customer expectations keep growing, McDonald's Global Chief People Officer Tiffanie Boyd told CNBC. — Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 23 Sep. 2026 Commercial models continue to evolve, with greater emphasis on value and outcomes, but the underlying transaction remains largely the same. — Dave McCann, Forbes.com, 23 Sep. 2026 Charlie Tahan, a Microsoft quantum partner, touted the university’s emphasis on quantum research and its proximity to Washington as reasons the center is located in College Park. — Pera Onal, Baltimore Sun, 23 Sep. 2026 Run game emphasis The Dolphins improved their rushing performance from the opener against the Raiders to their second game against the 49ers, from 74 yards to 102. — David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 23 Sep. 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
  • The current focus is on proving that nanoscale NMR can achieve the sensitivity needed for meaningful chemical detection.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 23 Sep. 2026
  • There’s been a steady drumbeat of streaming price hikes as companies over the last few years — and months — as companies moved away from a focus on subscriber additions to profitability.
    — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of focus
Noun
  • The Dropkick Murphys build intensity through repetition, allowing the track to accelerate without losing its rawness.
    — Brittney Williams, Billboard, 23 Sep. 2026
  • That's awesome but then again college sports are in my opinion better then the professional level mainly because of the intensity of the crowd .
    — Amber Harding OutKick, FOXNews.com, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of intensity
Noun
  • For dogs that stress out easily or suffer from anxiety, these collars could also increase their stress levels when left on too long.
    — BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 2026
  • One key sign of stress is Russia's budget deficit and the government's efforts to find new sources of money.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of stress
Noun
  • Indeed, heads quickly began to turn as the Chicago Bears defensive tackle showed no fear and an abundance of aggressiveness.
    — Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Is the nation’s vaunted politeness actually just passive-aggressiveness?
    — Judith Martin, Mercury News, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of aggressiveness
Noun
  • By combining aluminum’s low weight with a pre-applied coating, the company is targeting a way to make battery components easier to manufacture while meeting durability and insulation requirements.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Bored with his beautiful wife and the weight of his lies, Edward longs for a way out, even as Richard continues to pine for Beatrice.
    — Jourdain Searles, HollywoodReporter, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of weight
Noun
  • The Moon enters Capricorn and your community zone, drawing your attention toward friends, groups, and people who share your interests.
    — Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 19 Sep. 2026
  • As consumers use emerging tools like AI to explore different looks and try on silhouettes, this data is an early indication of the looks capturing consumers’ attention throughout the year.
    — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of attention

Browse Nearby Words

emphases
emphasis
emphasize
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Emphasis.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/emphasis. Accessed 26 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on emphasis

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about emphasis

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