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 Spurs will leave him open to shoot, putting an emphasis on him to knock his shots down.
—
Andrew Greif, NBC news, 4 June 2026
Unaffiliated voters participating in the Republican primary will appreciate Allen’s non-partisan approach to the law, while Republicans will like his emphasis on fighting crime.
—The Denver Post Editorial Board, Denver Post, 4 June 2026
Progress is a point of emphasis for Michel.
—Michael Osipoff, Chicago Tribune, 4 June 2026
Dishes are inspired by the cultures that meet here, with an emphasis on local ingredients.
—Caroline Eubanks, Travel + Leisure, 4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for emphasis
Andrew Greif, NBC news, 4 June 2026
Unaffiliated voters participating in the Republican primary will appreciate Allen’s non-partisan approach to the law, while Republicans will like his emphasis on fighting crime.
—The Denver Post Editorial Board, Denver Post, 4 June 2026
Progress is a point of emphasis for Michel.
—Michael Osipoff, Chicago Tribune, 4 June 2026
Dishes are inspired by the cultures that meet here, with an emphasis on local ingredients.
—Caroline Eubanks, Travel + Leisure, 4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for emphasis
Recent Examples of Synonyms for emphasis
Noun
-
When the tournament started, the focus was on Korda’s feet.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
8 June 2026
-
Beijing is widely seen to be wary of that program, which has traditionally heightened American focus on the region and risks instability that could impact China, which shares a border with North Korea.—
Simone McCarthy,
CNN Money,
8 June 2026
Noun
-
Among them are several sustainability goals incentivizing Kering brands to adopt alternative materials like mycelium and to reduce the intensity of bovine leather products.—
Bella Webb,
Vogue,
11 June 2026
-
The conflict that ensues is startling in the intensity of its violence, as bodies brawl and break in the mud, flaming torches are taken to the face, and red-hot blades are seared into flesh.—
Guy Lodge,
Variety,
11 June 2026
Noun
-
Measures to help reduce stress Yasunaga said the 70 million yen (approximately $437,000) project consists of four repairs, of which one is the installation of an air conditioner.—
Saman Shafiq,
USA Today,
8 June 2026
-
Meal timing and the gut In the new research, the authors defined chronic physiological stress by participants’ composite allostatic load score — which involves eight cardiovascular, metabolic and inflammatory biomarkers, such as blood pressure, cholesterol and body mass index.—
Kristen Rogers,
CNN Money,
8 June 2026
Noun
-
Yet signs of pressing persist as the Padres steer solutions toward aggressiveness on the basepaths.—
Jeff Sanders,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 June 2026
-
The aggressiveness was needed on a night Spurs head coach directed players to pick Brunson up full-court after San Antonio makes.—
Fiifi Frimpong,
New York Daily News,
6 June 2026
Noun
-
The Mexican national team will kick off the 2026 World Cup against South Africa on Thursday with the weight of entertaining 83,000 at iconic Azteca Stadium and soccer fans around the globe.—
Eduard Cauich,
Los Angeles Times,
11 June 2026
-
Drug companies are racing to catch up with industry leaders Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk, and improve patients’ experience with the weight-loss drugs.—
Christopher Rowland,
Washington Post,
10 June 2026
Noun
-
Talarico on Monday drew attention to his campaign winning the endorsement of Houston attorney Dan Cogdell, who was part of Paxton’s defense team during the Republican’s historic impeachment trial in 2023 that ended in acquittal.—
Jesse Bedayn,
Los Angeles Times,
9 June 2026
-
While much attention since the fire has focused on rebuilding physical structures, Nemecek said preserving the ranch’s purpose is equally important.—
Daily News,
Daily News,
9 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Emphasis.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/emphasis. Accessed 14 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
