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

Vacation photos emphasize happiness even when the experience was stressful. — Literary Hub, 22 Sep. 2026

Abu Dan emphasized the fact the film had been shot in Gaza with an entirely local cast and crew, noting the production had overcome obstacles at every turn. — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 21 Sep. 2026

Esben Snoer Iversen Denmark’s Culture Ministry emphasized regional cooperation and flexible funding as the media landscape evolves. — Anna Marie De La Fuente, Variety, 21 Sep. 2026

Lahn, in response, has emphasized his family’s deep roots and his own investments in the state. — Peter Slevin, New Yorker, 21 Sep. 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