punctuate

verb

ˈpəŋk-chə-ˌwāt How to pronounce punctuate (audio)
Definition of punctuatenext
as in to emphasize
to indicate the importance of by centering attention on punctuated each and every word of his denial with a pound of his fist on the table

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 punctuate Shirts were punctuated by knife pleats that ballooned in the back, while cascading pleats fluttered down the side of skirts. — ABC News, 24 Sep. 2026 That’s been on full display early on — punctuated by a strip sack on Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart. — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Sep. 2026 Kirby Smart punctuated the win with a fist pump, BOOM and cuss that would make even former Georgia co-defensive coordinator Will Muschamp laugh. — Connor Riley, AJC.com, 24 Sep. 2026 DeSorbo says in late July, punctuating the thought with her signature giggle. — Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 23 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for punctuate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for punctuate
  1. emphasize
  2. highlight
  3. stress
  4. feature
Verb
  • Brinda Somaya, an architect and chair of the WMW International Expert Panel, emphasized the urgency of addressing these risks.
    — News Desk, Artforum, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Independent has become known for its distinctive layout, which emphasized flow over the boxy booths that typify these commercial trade shows.
    — Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of emphasize
Verb
  • Her video also took time to highlight different Troost avenue businesses, including Tiki Taco, MOC BOD, Ruby Jean’s Juicery and others.
    — Rashad Alexander, Kansas City Star, 30 Sep. 2026
  • From bedroom songwriting to global stages, a handful of rising musicians are getting their names highlighted with TIME.
    — Alicia Urrea, Billboard, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of highlight
Verb
  • The expert stressed that the team's field work was complete but that laboratory analysis was still underway before broader conclusions could be drawn.
    — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Kretzschmar’s attorney, Jeremy Saland, stressed to NBC News on Thursday that his client was not involved in any criminal conduct alleged in the case.
    — Shayna Jacobs, NBC news, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of stress
Verb
  • The menu features classic Scottish dishes made from local ingredients, like Tweeddale sirloin and Belhaven lobster; there's also an 800-bottle wine list.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Sep. 2026
  • The main series, which was birthed out of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, featured the same cast for its first 11 seasons before the network chose to reboot the series for season 12.
    — McKinley Franklin, HollywoodReporter, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of feature

Browse Nearby Words

punctually
punctuate
punctuated
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Punctuate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/punctuate. Accessed 5 Oct. 2026.

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