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 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 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
  • The Moon enters Sagittarius and your 4th House of Home, Family, and Emotional Roots, pulling your focus toward rest, privacy, space, or household needs.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Initial plans were for natural gas generators that would create more emissions than the state’s two largest cities combined, which were a common point of focus for local critics.
    — Bloomberg, Mercury News, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of focus
Noun
  • Scientists warn that climate change is exacerbating the frequency and intensity of heat and dryness.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • The intensity of weather events in that span caused significant devastation across the state, and the August storms have only exacerbated the impact on communities and local governments.
    — John Tufts, IndyStar, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of intensity
Noun
  • Persistent heat this summer may have created some crop stress and higher irrigation needs for farmers.
    — Cristina LaRue, Arkansas Online, 24 Aug. 2026
  • The challenge, Hylving stresses, is whether a shopping complex can become a genuine fixture in people’s daily routines, rather than a one-off visit.
    — Sam Birchall, Fortune, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of stress
Noun
  • This could bring up feelings of resentment, competitiveness or passive aggressiveness, especially if there’s been something simmering in the background.
    — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 16 Aug. 2026
  • The Angels swung early and often, and Cameron utilized their aggressiveness to his advantage.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of aggressiveness
Noun
  • Because the reactor saves weight and internal space, ship designers could build a dual-draft hull.
    — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Maintaining a healthy weight can prevent the chronic, systemic inflammation that is linked to metabolic syndrome, which directly accelerates structural skin and tissue aging.
    — Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of weight
Noun
  • One of the only signs of the trial that has drawn international attention was on a set of 14 video screens that lay out all of the cases to be heard in the building each day.
    — Andy Rose, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026
  • After a thorough cleanse and gua sha to encourage lymphatic drainage, Galina smooths on a cooling mask and leaves it to work its magic while turning her attention to my scalp.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of attention

Browse Nearby Words

emphases
emphasis
emphasize
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Cite this Entry

“Emphasis.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/emphasis. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about emphasis

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