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 project begins with an assessment of the city’s present conditions with an emphasis on development readiness, economic opportunity and barriers that could arise. — Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026

The emphasis for many is no longer on pushing physical limits, but on slowing down and reducing stress, connecting with nature and community, and making active exploration feel less rushed. — Dobrina Zhekova, Travel + Leisure, 5 Aug. 2026

As global competition in advanced military technology continues, the DF-17 highlights China’s growing emphasis on developing next-generation weapons capable of improving strategic deterrence and expanding its precision-strike capabilities. — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 5 Aug. 2026

Her texts are unpunctuated, uppercase, underlined for further emphasis. — Literary Hub, 5 Aug. 2026