Definitions

emphasize

[em-fuh-sahyz] / ˈɛm fəˌsaɪz /

VERB

stress, give priority to

Synonyms

STRONGEST

accentuate affirm assert highlight indicate maintain point out reiterate repeat underline underscore

STRONG

accent articulate charge dramatize enlarge enunciate headline hit impress italicize mark pinpoint press pronounce punctuate spotlight weight

WEAK

bear down dwell on insist on labor the point limelight make a point make clear make emphatic make much of play up point up put accent on rub in

Antonyms

STRONGEST

deny

STRONG

lose mumble

WEAK

depreciate forget ignore play down understate

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"His teachings emphasize the harmonious coexistence between humans and nature, a principle that perfectly aligns with the conservation mission of the Giant Panda National Park where this species was discovered."

From Science Daily • Apr. 22, 2026

Dire straits at present emphasize the fragility of global supply chains, with extremely negative implications for inflation in a deglobalized world.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 21, 2026

His predecessor, Pope Francis, made a point of washing the feet of prison inmates to emphasize his status as a servant of the church for all people, even criminals.

From Salon • Apr. 18, 2026

Saudi Arabia issued a statement to emphasize that freedom of navigation in the Hormuz must be exercised without any restrictions.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

As in the chapters on coincidence and pseudoscience, we see that the desire to filter and emphasize information is at odds with the desire to obtain a random sample.

From "Innumeracy: Mathematical Illiteracy and Its Consequences" by John Allen Paulos

Vocabulary lists containing emphasize

The SAT: Language of the Test, List 2

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Tier 2 Words for the SBAC ELA Items

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The Language of Standardized Tests, List 1

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!