EMPHASIZE Synonyms: 57 Similar and Opposite Words

emphasize

verb

ˈem(p)-fə-ˌsīz

Definition of emphasize

as in to highlight

to indicate the importance of by centering attention on supermarket tabloids that emphasize sensational news stories

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to reinforce

to make more apparent that huge belt buckle only emphasizes his big gut

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 emphasize Della Terza emphasized, however, that despite the increase, the library’s portion of the city property tax rate is very low and since 2014, its property tax request has declined. — Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 2026 Stanford law professor Orin Kerr also emphasized Frenk’s support for Pearl on social media. — Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 18 Sep. 2026 Spoelstra at the end of last season emphasized the value of Larsson. — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 18 Sep. 2026 Rather, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen emphasized Denmark’s sovereignty and Greenland’s right to self-determination. — David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 18 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for emphasize

Recent Examples of Synonyms for emphasize

Verb

This space is divided into several thematic areas to highlight the role that the university, its faculty, its students, and other folks affiliated with it have played in a range of topics.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Sep. 2026
Marcet also highlights midfielder Juan Hernandez, defender Landry Farre and forward Shane Kluivert (son of ex-Barcelona and Netherlands striker Patrick Kluivert), each of whom is still at the club.

— Laia Cervelló Herrero, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of highlight

Verb

The act of retrieving information can help reinforce learning.

— Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 16 Sep. 2026
Thanks to the support of Canadian agencies, these teams might very well achieve this goal, reinforcing the transatlantic collaborations between European and Canadian animation industries.

— Kevin Giraud, Variety, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of reinforce

Verb

The collapse last week wasn’t the first involving unsafe dwellings in the Gaza Strip, but the high death toll underscored the dangers in a territory where the vast majority of the population lacks adequate shelter.

— Wafaa Shurafa, Los Angeles Times, 20 Sep. 2026
Theron also underscored the less visible work happening through CTAOP’s grassroots partners on the ground.

— Lilly Workneh, HollywoodReporter, 20 Sep. 2026

Definition of underscore

Verb

For dogs that stress out easily or suffer from anxiety, these collars could also increase their stress levels when left on too long.

— BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 2026
The Commission stressed the importance of early and at-home voting to prevent large gatherings which could be exploited by Ukrainian attacks.

— Chris Massaro , Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of stress

Verb

Enduring principles can be enhanced by the essential replenishment of ideas — notions that might seem to contradict but that also sure can live in harmony.

— Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 19 Sep. 2026
The project is designed to improve reliability, reduce maintenance requirements, enhance worker safety, and extend the facility’s operational life.

— Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 19 Sep. 2026

Definition of enhance

Verb

The astonished looks on his team-mates’ faces would underline that fact.

— Beren Cross, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026
Director Chloe Okuno builds an atmosphere of dread, keeps the audience guessing and subtly underlines the film’s message about gaslighting and misogyny.

— David Faris, TheWeek, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of underline

Verb

In an interview conducted Friday by The Associated Press from outside Iran, Mohammadi said Iranians are grappling with multiple crises stemming from the ongoing war and deepening economic pressure.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 20 Sep. 2026
In an interview conducted Friday by The Associated Press from outside Iran, Mohammadi said that Iranians are grappling with multiple crises stemming from the ongoing war and deepening economic pressure, and the brutal crackdowns on protests.

— Amir-Hussein Radjy, Fortune, 19 Sep. 2026

Definition of deepen

Browse Nearby Words

emphasis

emphasize

emphasized

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Emphasize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/emphasize. Accessed 22 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of emphasize

verb

Example Sentences

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