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 Montalvo said authorities had restricted a lane while engineers assessed the structure, emphasizing that public safety had to take precedence over traffic flow. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2026 Still, officials emphasized that the CSU would have to be fiscally disciplined given the uncertainty of the state’s budget outlook and new, incoming governor in January. — Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 9 Oct. 2026 Richard sidesteps that question by emphasizing the intimacy of her blends rather than their novelty. — Stephen Kearse, Pitchfork, 9 Oct. 2026 In Greece to discuss deepening economic, energy and security cooperation, Rubio made the case for nationalism while emphasizing the importance of global alliances. — Arkansas Online, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for emphasize

Recent Examples of Synonyms for emphasize

Verb

With respect to the state’s cancer crisis, Hinson defended her record by highlighting her work during her three terms in Congress to boost cancer research funding for the National Institutes of Health.

— Gabrielle M. Etzel, The Washington Examiner, 8 Oct. 2026
Additionally, a Financial Times report highlighted growing market concerns that corporations with weaker balance sheets could face immediate debt default pressures.

— , CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of highlight

Verb

The experience reinforced her belief that Vancouver has plenty of animation talent, but still needs more infrastructure for independent creators.

— Katherine Brodsky, Variety, 7 Oct. 2026
Its amino-acid complex helps smooth and strengthen strands from the inside out, while amaranth extract reinforces fragile hair and baobab extract helps improve elasticity and bounce.

— Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of reinforce

Verb

Hazel is actually an unusual, multi-colored eye type that features a mix of brown, green, and gold or amber hues.

— Lars Brandle, Billboard, 7 Oct. 2026
Billed as an immersive matchmaking experience and a new take on the dating show, the format features singletons who are tired of swiping and first dates and are ready to get hitched.

— Max Goldbart, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of feature

Verb

The scale of the crackdown underscored the authorities’ determination to disrupt a fast-growing protest campaign that has mobilized thousands of young people, drawn opposition support and intensified scrutiny of Modi.

— Sheikh Saaliq, Los Angeles Times, 11 Oct. 2026
Millions of dollars are being spent, continuing a recent trend in Montana and elsewhere and underscoring the elevated importance of top state judicial offices.

— ABC News, ABC News, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of underscore

Verb

Despite the encouraging news, scientists stress that caution remains essential as the island’s fragile ecosystem faces serious environmental threats.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2026
The collaboration between Video Mercury Films, FlixOlé and ECAM reflects their common goal of preserving and raising the profile of Spanish films of great historical value that do not have digital copies available for distribution, López stresses.

— Ed Meza, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of stress

Verb

That decade saw other international debuts, including Sweden, Hong Kong, Australia, France and Japan — places that would enhance the awareness and international visibility of the brand — all by 1968.

— Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026
There could be uses in agriculture as well, for selectively enhancing edible parts of plants, Theriot said.

— Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of enhance

Verb

Long’s textbook Marxism is just one of the tools O’Reilly uses to underline O’Neill’s description of The Hairy Ape as a comedy.

— Sara Holdren, Vulture, 5 Oct. 2026
Perhaps that underlines the value of continuing to play regular football in Ligue 1 during those important years, rather than joining a Premier League club who might not have a clear long-term plan for a player’s development.

— Oliver Kay, New York Times, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of underline

Verb

What began as a rebellion against broken classrooms has become a test of whether France can reconcile its costly promises with its financial reality before the divisions consuming its schools deepen further.

— Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 10 Oct. 2026
His lore is also deepened, the kills get more intense, all good stuff.

— Brian Welk, IndieWire, 10 Oct. 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 13 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of emphasize

verb

Example Sentences

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