as in emphasizes
to indicate the importance of by giving prominent display
the dean's speech underlined some of the impressive accomplishments racked up by members of the graduation class
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Recent Examples of underlines
The rib-poking voiceover, which might as well have been accompanied by talking-head interviews, repeatedly underlines the groundbreaking quality of public access in a way that suggests the audience might forget.
—
Vikram Murthi, IndieWire, 24 Jan. 2026
The researchers say that the study underlines the importance of robust scientific trials before treatments are approved for public use.
—New Atlas, 21 Jan. 2026
The scuffle caught on camera would never prevent someone from getting clemency, but lying about it underlines the exact behavior that got Peters in trouble in the first place.
—Megan Schrader, Denver Post, 20 Jan. 2026
The film’s selection at the Berlinale Special Gala underlines its broad appeal and strong positioning.
—Leo Barraclough, Variety, 16 Jan. 2026
That Sirianni did not outright fire Patullo — a lower position on staff remains possible — underlines his loyalty to his longtime assistant and how the entanglement of their philosophies puts Sirianni in a complicated position.
—Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 14 Jan. 2026
Demonstrations have included cries in support of the shah, something that could bring a death sentence in the past but now underlines the anger fueling the protests that began over Iran’s ailing economy.
—Jon Gambrell, Chicago Tribune, 9 Jan. 2026
But, even if the US, Europe and Ukraine reach their own agreement, Moscow’s statement underlines just how far apart the two blocs remain in these negotiations.
—Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 8 Jan. 2026
Demonstrations have included cries in support of the shah, something that could bring a death sentence in the past but now underlines the anger fueling the protests that began over Iran’s ailing economy.
—Jon Gambrell, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2026
Vikram Murthi, IndieWire, 24 Jan. 2026
The researchers say that the study underlines the importance of robust scientific trials before treatments are approved for public use.
—New Atlas, 21 Jan. 2026
The scuffle caught on camera would never prevent someone from getting clemency, but lying about it underlines the exact behavior that got Peters in trouble in the first place.
—Megan Schrader, Denver Post, 20 Jan. 2026
The film’s selection at the Berlinale Special Gala underlines its broad appeal and strong positioning.
—Leo Barraclough, Variety, 16 Jan. 2026
That Sirianni did not outright fire Patullo — a lower position on staff remains possible — underlines his loyalty to his longtime assistant and how the entanglement of their philosophies puts Sirianni in a complicated position.
—Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 14 Jan. 2026
Demonstrations have included cries in support of the shah, something that could bring a death sentence in the past but now underlines the anger fueling the protests that began over Iran’s ailing economy.
—Jon Gambrell, Chicago Tribune, 9 Jan. 2026
But, even if the US, Europe and Ukraine reach their own agreement, Moscow’s statement underlines just how far apart the two blocs remain in these negotiations.
—Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 8 Jan. 2026
Demonstrations have included cries in support of the shah, something that could bring a death sentence in the past but now underlines the anger fueling the protests that began over Iran’s ailing economy.
—Jon Gambrell, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underlines
Verb
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That the museum aims to present a multifaceted picture of shtetl life — one that emphasizes piety, creativity and familial bonds alongside loss — is essential, said Steven Zipperstein, a Stanford University historian of Judaism and Jewish culture.—
Leslie Katz,
Forbes.com,
21 Jan. 2026
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While the two documents agree on the threat of China’s AI ambitions, Lehane more so emphasizes the need to show how AI can improve safety measures, clean energy, and other use cases that appeal to voters.—
Rachyl Jones,
semafor.com,
21 Jan. 2026
Verb
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In his classes and workshops, Askin reinforces this through role plays, time-pressured simulations, and feedback exercises that stress-test leaders in real time.—
Kevin Kruse,
Forbes.com,
22 Jan. 2026
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Analysts at Tier1Alpha warned the S&P 500 is approaching what’s known as a negative gamma zone, a setup that can amplify market swings as dealer hedging reinforces prevailing momentum, a risk heightened as buyback blackout periods near.—
Bloomberg,
Mercury News,
21 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Underlines.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underlines. Accessed 29 Jan. 2026.
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