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

The emphasis is that, rather than using more traditional legal angles or in conjunction with traditional legal charges, a movement to label AI as a public nuisance seems to be gaining steam. — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026

The whole business of poetry, the line breaks and stanzas, puts emphasis on imaginative edits and collaging. — Amitava Kumar, New Yorker, 19 Aug. 2026

Jack Skellington is warm and woody, with a focus on pumpkin, while Sally is bright and fruity, with an emphasis on berries. — Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 18 Aug. 2026

The town is seeing other developments, too—the luxury resort residence Rockspring (known for its emphasis on wellness) is under construction, expected to be completed by 2028. — Sharael Kolberg, Travel + Leisure, 18 Aug. 2026