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 Silverman contends that its proposal wouldn’t do any of that, and emphasized that the 53 acres involved aren’t unspoiled woods or fields. — Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 10 July 2026 Barber has frequently discussed the extensive work that goes into each draft, emphasizing how much collaboration occurs before selections are made. — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026 Smith’s grandmother, Angela Perdew, emphasized the importance of fireworks safety when speaking with WMC. — Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 10 July 2026 Advertisement The first inkling of recalibration came when tech bros suddenly started emphasizing the importance of taste. — Miranda Shanahan, Time, 10 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for emphasize

Recent Examples of Synonyms for emphasize

Verb

DyStar said recent operational shifts have led to variations in metrics, particularly for waste intensity, and have highlighted key areas for innovation and improvement.

— Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 8 July 2026
While officials highlighted actions taken by the White House to support the quantum industry, there was no sense of partisan performance, the person said.

— Rachyl Jones, semafor.com, 8 July 2026

Definition of highlight

Verb

The discovery of the buckling columns launched a major effort to shore up — or reinforce — the building’s weakest points, with crews using emergency jacks and installing new steel supports.

— Gloria Pazmino, CNN Money, 11 July 2026
Ship operators are favoring the Iranian route over the corridor along Oman’s coast, reinforcing the impact of the tanker attacks earlier this week, according to the trade intelligence firm Kpler.

— Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 10 July 2026

Definition of reinforce

Verb

The exhibition coincides with Oyer’s fifth portrait book release, which features selections from his extensive archive.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
The viol family included larger instruments known as viols da gamba, which were played between the legs and often featured frets similar to those found on guitars.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 July 2026

Definition of feature

Verb

The deal underscores Canada’s push to meet tougher NATO commitments, with defense spending slated to rise from the new 2% benchmark to 5% of GDP by 2035.

— Rob Gillies, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
The difficulties facing two of Europe’s leading far right figures underscored right-wing movements’ failure to coalesce behind their sizable polling advantages.

— Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 7 July 2026

Definition of underscore

Verb

That impressive steak, seasoned just right to enhance the natural flavors of the wagyu beef, is just one reason to visit Enzo Steakhouse at Trilith in Fayetteville.

— Justin Brown, AJC.com, 12 July 2026
Wider Michelin tires come standard, as does enhanced regenerative braking and handy access panels to make servicing easier – a feature your mechanic will certainly appreciate.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 11 July 2026

Definition of enhance

Verb

The clash underlined just how much power the statewide party has over the merely weekslong candidate-swapping window – and therefore, potentially, Senate Democrats' narrow path in the midterm elections back to the majority.

— Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 8 July 2026
But their brilliance in front of a crowd of 16,456 at 33,000-seat Cardiff City Stadium wasn't underlined by points.

— ABC News, ABC News, 4 July 2026

Definition of underline

Verb

Records showing the Cuban government has secretly stockpiled cash as people on the island cook their food over firewood has only deepened the sentiment that the government in Havana must go.

— Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 11 July 2026
This move completes Meta's ad automation, offering advertisers free creative variations and deepening platform dependence.

— Gabriel Alin Zainescu, Forbes.com, 11 July 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 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of emphasize

verb

Example Sentences

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