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 Cleaver, however, emphasized that Republicans underestimate how angry voters are about gerrymandering. — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 21 Aug. 2026 And when major transitions occur, French Gates emphasized the importance of taking time for self-care. — Sarah Glodek, Fortune, 21 Aug. 2026 Fernandez had emphasized needing players to step up on defense without Fudd. — Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Aug. 2026 This season, Inniss said, while the emphasis is on the receiver to fight through contact and get up field, the coaching staff has emphasized scheming ways to get the receivers more yards after catch. — Cameron Teague Robinson, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for emphasize

Recent Examples of Synonyms for emphasize

Verb

The Moon enters Sagittarius and your 3rd House of Communication, highlighting calls, messages, errands, siblings, neighbors, and daily logistics.

— Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 20 Aug. 2026
Dining options all take advantage of the indoor-outdoor living the island thrives on, and are framed by beautiful views highlighting the craggy stretch of coast Domes sits on.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of highlight

Verb

To reinforce its point, the North followed up Thursday with a barrage of about a dozen short-range ballistic missiles launched from around the capital, Pyongyang, eastward toward the sea, according to South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff.

— Anthony Kuhn, NPR, 21 Aug. 2026
Stick Velcro dots to the underside of the felt at the top and bottom, reinforcing the adhesive under the Velcro dots with a little bit of hot glue.

— Jodi Levine, Parents, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of reinforce

Verb

The sprawling, lushly landscaped grounds feature a large main pool as well as a separate, quieter adults-only pool, all overlooking the ocean.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Aug. 2026
Denver Fire Department The building was constructed in 1921 and features two dance floors and a 4,000-square-foot main ballroom.

— Christa Swanson, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of feature

Verb

The retail offering was oversubscribed 5,500 times, underscoring intense investor demand for the profitable company, which shipped 5,500 humanoids in 2025.

— John Koetsier, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026
Four of the eight resulted in gains and four in losses, underscoring the lack of a clear directional signal.

— Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of underscore

Verb

Delaying a medical appointment is a common response to feeling stressed about what’s going on with your body, according to a 2021 study on health care avoidance.

— Glamour, Glamour, 24 Aug. 2026
Peregrino stressed the high production value of the pic, lensed in Alter do Chão, in the Amazon region, along the Tapajós River.

— Marcelo Cajueiro, Variety, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of stress

Verb

Our philosophy has always been to remain thoughtful, ensuring every addition feels intentional and enhances the overall guest experience.

— Jillian Dara, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026
These sleek sneakers are made with layers of contoured cushioning to mold to your feet, a rubber sole with traction to stabilize, and two different lace options to customize your look and enhance comfort.

— Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of enhance

Verb

The profit boosts underline criticism from some shippers that surcharges meant to recoup rising oil costs due to the war in Iran are sometimes excessive.

— Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 19 Aug. 2026
Chris Wood’s minor injury struggles in pre-season and long-serving Taiwo Awoniyi’s departure to Coventry in a £9million move have both underlined why the club are still pursuing another striker.

— Paul Taylor, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of underline

Verb

One of the most powerful figures in Iran has said that the US campaign of maximum economic pressure will fail — in a further sign that Iran’s hardline leadership is unwilling to compromise despite a deepening economic crisis.

— Tim Lister, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026
Since then, my curiosity about this particular repertory blind spot of mine has deepened to an extent.

— Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of deepen

Browse Nearby Words

emphasis

emphasize

emphasized

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Emphasize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/emphasize. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of emphasize

verb

Example Sentences

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