emphasize

verb

em·​pha·​size ˈem(p)-fə-ˌsīz 

emphasized; emphasizing

transitive verb

: to place emphasis on : stress

emphasized the need for reform

Synonyms of emphasize

• highlight
• feature
• stress

Examples of emphasize in a Sentence

supermarket tabloids that emphasize sensational news stories

that huge belt buckle only emphasizes his big gut

Recent Examples on the Web

When planning these collaborations, Smith emphasizes the importance of authenticity. — Sam Birchall, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026

But doctors and therapists who treat drug and behavioral addictions have been steadily shifting away from sobriety to emphasize gradual progress and a reduction of harm instead. — Allison Parshall, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026

The veterans appealed to DeSantis as a fellow veteran, emphasizing the lasting toll of military service. — Gretchen Reynolds, Washington Post, 19 Oct. 2026

The department emphasized that all crime tips undergo human review before investigators act on them. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

emphas(is) + -ize

First Known Use

1793, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing emphasize

• de-emphasize
• re-emphasize

Rhymes for emphasize

• advertise
• aggrandize
• alibis
• alkalies
• alkalis
• amortize
• amplifies
• analyse
• analyze
• anywise
• authorize
• butterflies

Kids Definition

emphasize

verb

em·​pha·​size ˈem(p)-fə-ˌsīz 

emphasized; emphasizing

: to place emphasis on : stress as being important or so as to stand out