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

Unlike traditional nuclear reactors, ZiaCore is designed as a factory-manufacturable microreactor that emphasizes compactness, fuel efficiency, and simplified deployment. — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 31 July 2026

Williams emphasizes the importance of keeping emergency supplies like flashlights, working batteries, first-aid kits, and non-perishable food on hand in every home in the event of an unexpected problem. — Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 31 July 2026

Fed Chair Kevin Warsh tried to thread the needle, emphasizing that inflation still must fall without tipping his hand on where rates would go in the future. — Brandy Hadley, Fortune, 31 July 2026

Key changes, like the reduction of Medicaid funding, don't occur until after this year's midterms, so candidates see this as an opportunity to emphasize other, popular parts of the law, like tax cuts. — Rahul Mukherjee, NPR, 31 July 2026