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.

“To emphasize that Lestat is untouchable. Hence, building specific costume build shapes and patterns that we adapted throughout the season.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 20, 2026

The researchers emphasize that their results do not point to an immediate threat to humans.

From Science Daily • Jun. 16, 2026

Lawyers for Seyb and other plaintiffs in the Idaho case emphasize that Dobbs does not appear to be a barrier to advancing these constitutional claims.

From Slate • Jun. 16, 2026

General questions like “How am I doing?” become invitations to give managers praise and reassurance, even if you emphasize that you want honest input.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 11, 2026

“Just, when you deliver it, make sure you emphasize only one per day, in the morning.”

From Anya and the Nightingale by Sofiya Pasternack

Vocabulary lists containing emphasize

The SAT: Language of the Test, List 2

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The Language of Standardized Tests, List 1

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Tier 2 Words for the SBAC ELA Items

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