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 Digital Realty, by contrast, began to place greater emphasis on large-scale facilities for hyperscale customers. — Isabel O'Brien,katie Tarasov, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2026 That emphasis on precision and detail is where the martini and Cygnet Gin naturally converge. — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 2 Sep. 2026 Inside, the emphasis is on streamlined comfort rather than boutique character. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Sep. 2026 Some dietitians have additionally felt thrown off by new dietary advice that goes against the nutritional consensus, including an emphasis on meat, and the maligning of seed oils. — Lauren Chan, STAT, 1 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
  • As anybody who has been camping knows, the flicker of bright flames against the darkness can be as much a visual distraction as a point of focus.
    — Mike McRae September 02, New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2026
  • More than 200 municipalities have adopted the Vision Zero approach, for instance, a public health focus on programs and environments that increase traffic safety for all ages.
    — Paula Span, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of focus
Noun
  • Thom’s uncomfortable intensity carries over to Hamburger Hamlet, where the tension between the couple finally reaches a breaking point.
    — Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The tool kit suggests states use concurrent review to compare delivered hours against authorized hours and test whether intensity still tracks progress.
    — JP Montoya, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of intensity
Noun
  • Salas struggled offensively throughout 2024, missed almost all of 2025 because of a stress reaction in his back and plummeted on prospect lists as a result.
    — Dennis Lin, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026
  • The company, which offers credit cards used to make rent and mortgage payments, had fumbled a critical transition, leading to confusion and financial stress for its customers.
    — Andy Kroll, ProPublica, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of stress
Noun
  • Badosa’s front-foot aggressiveness and ability to rush Gauff’s forehand have brought her wins in their past two meetings.
    — Rebecca Tauber, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The salaries match, Strus is an expiring contract while Niko has four years left and the 3-point shooting and the aggressiveness of Max are way better than Niko’s.
    — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of aggressiveness
Noun
  • Graham has had a penchant for getting defenses to punch above their weight class but has had only one top-10 defense statistically (2023 Raiders).
    — Ted Nguyen, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
  • That was enough to establish a new West Virginia state weight record for blue catfish, surpassing the 71-pound fish Michael Ramey caught from the same Ohio River area in May.
    — Amber Harding OutKick, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of weight
Noun
  • Matt Bevin has for months claimed Johnson is unable to afford him a fair trial and is using the case to gain attention from the media.
    — Lucas Aulbach, Louisville Courier Journal, 4 Sep. 2026
  • That’s the part of the guarantee-game economy that deserves more attention now.
    — Jason Lloyd, New York Times, 4 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 7 Sep. 2026.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about emphasis

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