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 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

Noun

The company’s primary focus, for now, is industrial applications.

— Emily Forlini, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2026
Alejandro Camacho, a professor at UCLA’s School of Law with a focus on environmental law, said the type of claims Boulder is bringing against the companies could influence the justices’ ruling on this question.

— Callie Patteson, The Washington Examiner, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of focus

Noun

Reaves has such high hopes because of the defensive intensity the Lakers have displayed in camp.

— Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2026
Since the beginning of July, Russian drones and missiles have been terrorizing Kyiv with exceptional intensity.

— Dmytro Kuleba, Foreign Affairs, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of intensity

Noun

By shifting more functionality into the target, FLARE is designed to enable a simpler, more robust driver, reducing component stress, maintenance and downtime.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 26 Sep. 2026
Hair loss in women can be caused by many things, including your genetics, illnesses, nutritional deficiencies, physiological stress and shifts in hormones.

— Lindsey Bever, Washington Post, 26 Sep. 2026

Definition of stress

Noun

Stunned at first by his opponent’s aggressiveness and the onslaught of personal attacks, Ted trains himself to withstand the barrages and to respond in kind.

— Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2026
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

Definition of aggressiveness

Noun

Advanced composite materials are highly durable, lightweight items formed by two or more distinct substances that are tightly bound and can shoulder tremendous weight and pressure.

— Bob Goldsborough, Chicago Tribune, 25 Sep. 2026
Others praised the comfortable handles, sleek look, and substantial weight.

— Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of weight

Noun

Everything remains perfect and unchanging, but thanks to this constant attention.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Sep. 2026
The organization believes some of these conversations and disagreements among board members are drawing time and attention away from students, many of whom are Hispanic and come from Spanish-speaking backgrounds.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 25 Sep. 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 2 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of emphasis

noun

Example Sentences

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