Synonyms of emphasize

emphasize

verb

ˈem(p)-fə-ˌsīz 

1

as in to highlight

to indicate the importance of by centering attention on

supermarket tabloids that emphasize sensational news stories

Synonyms & Similar Words

• highlight
• feature
• stress
• punctuate
• identify
• accentuate
• point (up)
• accent
• focus
• illuminate
• promote
• foreground
• play up
• bear down on
• press
• make much of
• pinpoint
• advertise
• publicize
• spotlight
• boost
• plug
• overplay

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• tone (down)
• play down
• understate
• minimize
• de-emphasize
• underemphasize
• disparage
• belittle
• discount

2

as in to reinforce

to make more apparent

that huge belt buckle only emphasizes his big gut

Synonyms & Similar Words

• reinforce
• underscore
• enhance
• underline
• deepen
• accentuate
• stress
• strengthen
• bring out
• maximize
• amplify
• italicize
• augment
• supplement
• heighten
• enlarge
• magnify
• boost
• enliven
• beef (up)
• jazz (up)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• de-emphasize
• reduce
• minimize
• decrease
• tone (down)
• diminish
• understate
• lessen
• weaken
• subdue

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of emphasize

But as writer-director Christopher Nolan’s blockbuster The Odyssey makes a point of emphasizing, the legendary Greek general from Homer’s ancient epic (portrayed in the film by Matt Damon) also made a lot of extremely avoidable mistakes. — Whitney Friedlander, Vulture, 17 July 2026

Gershman emphasized that he had been asked to assess legality, not ethics. — Joaquin Sapien, ProPublica, 17 July 2026

Christie’s emphasized record bidder participation, stronger sell-through rates and competitive bidding on works estimated between $20,000 and $100,000. — Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 17 July 2026

Shield sunglasses and a black, raffia tote emphasize the minimalist mood. — Christina Holevas, Vogue, 17 July 2026