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.

The only way to prevent the disease is to stave off measles infection — and officials emphasize that the best way to do that is to get vaccinated against the disease.

From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2026

Reels, stories and stitches all emphasize our humanity.

From Salon • May 4, 2026

Sometimes the forest greens turn red to emphasize extreme states of mind and signal hallucinations.

From Los Angeles Times • May 4, 2026

Yet many scientists continue to emphasize RCP8.5 in climate research, with new studies published daily.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 29, 2026

These patterns emphasize the differences between the stronger and weaker beats to help the performers keep track of where they are in the music.

From "Understanding Basic Music Theory" by Catherine Schmidt-Jones and Russel Jones

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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