as in emphasizing
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 underlining
The lesson is worth underlining.
—
Renae Gregoire, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026
Another 80 homes of Friday prayer leaders — an important position within Iran’s theocracy — were also damaged, likely underlining the anger demonstrators felt toward symbols of the government.
—Jon Gambrell, Los Angeles Times, 16 Jan. 2026
Michael Malone, during his Nuggets days, was a genius at creating enemies, of underlining slights that may or may not have ever been real.
—Arkansas Online, 15 Jan. 2026
Spurs played twice this week, losing away to Bournemouth in the Premier League and then getting knocked out of the FA Cup at home by Aston Villa, further underlining how badly recruits are required.
—James McNicholas, New York Times, 13 Jan. 2026
Michael Malone, during his Nuggets days, was a genius at creating enemies, of underlining slights that may or may not have ever been real.
—Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 13 Jan. 2026
Give French tip torties a preppy spin by underlining them in red lacquer.
—Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 9 Jan. 2026
The House on Thursday approved the renewal of the expired ObamaCare subsidies, delivering a blow to Republican leadership and underlining conference divides.
—The Hill Staff, The Hill, 8 Jan. 2026
The injured and missing came from all corners of Europe and as far afield as Australia, underlining the international appeal of the picturesque resort with panoramic views of the Alps.
—Reuters, NBC news, 4 Jan. 2026
Renae Gregoire, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026
Another 80 homes of Friday prayer leaders — an important position within Iran’s theocracy — were also damaged, likely underlining the anger demonstrators felt toward symbols of the government.
—Jon Gambrell, Los Angeles Times, 16 Jan. 2026
Michael Malone, during his Nuggets days, was a genius at creating enemies, of underlining slights that may or may not have ever been real.
—Arkansas Online, 15 Jan. 2026
Spurs played twice this week, losing away to Bournemouth in the Premier League and then getting knocked out of the FA Cup at home by Aston Villa, further underlining how badly recruits are required.
—James McNicholas, New York Times, 13 Jan. 2026
Michael Malone, during his Nuggets days, was a genius at creating enemies, of underlining slights that may or may not have ever been real.
—Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 13 Jan. 2026
Give French tip torties a preppy spin by underlining them in red lacquer.
—Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 9 Jan. 2026
The House on Thursday approved the renewal of the expired ObamaCare subsidies, delivering a blow to Republican leadership and underlining conference divides.
—The Hill Staff, The Hill, 8 Jan. 2026
The injured and missing came from all corners of Europe and as far afield as Australia, underlining the international appeal of the picturesque resort with panoramic views of the Alps.
—Reuters, NBC news, 4 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underlining
Verb
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An evening revue of wild, uncouth performance art by local artists, emphasizing work that is often discouraged elsewhere.—
Kirby Adams,
Louisville Courier Journal,
29 Jan. 2026
-
To that end, Murphy invoked Rule 38 while emphasizing that she was offended by Durkan’s remark about her lack of preparation for the meeting.—
Gayla Cawley,
Boston Herald,
29 Jan. 2026
Verb
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As Morrison pointed out, representations and practices can be mutually reinforcing.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
30 Jan. 2026
-
By Saturday, a reinforcing shot of arctic air will sweep across Texas from northeast to southwest.—
Mary Wasson,
Austin American Statesman,
29 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Underlining.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underlining. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
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