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

Geoff warns Ilya to moderate his projections, emphasizing the need for safeguards, but the idealistic Russian is swept up in the vast potential of AI — to solve the climate crisis, cure cancer, even save humanity from itself. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 6 Oct. 2026

The spa emphasizes the holistic benefits of bodywork, with treatments that range from a traditional Thai massage to organic seaweed leaf wraps to the Mindful Dreams Ritual. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026

Yun also emphasized underlying factors that might keep mortgage rates elevated for homebuyers over a longer period of time. — Zach Halaschak, The Washington Examiner, 5 Oct. 2026

Proportion is key for Vaccarello, De Biase emphasized, for a myriad elements like shape and color. — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 5 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