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.

“We’re Back!” will likely emphasize the playful side of Williams, who once hosted “Saturday Night Live” during his NBC years.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 16, 2026

Think of law schools that might otherwise emphasize public-interest law but instead chase students bound for lucrative firms because the high salaries and prestige boost the schools’ rankings.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

Management was keen to emphasize that their forecasts already incorporate the possibility of export restrictions imposed by governments on sales of its products to China.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 15, 2026

The researchers emphasize that their work provides a unified explanation for the behavior of perovskites.

From Science Daily • Apr. 10, 2026

“I never in my life would’ve thought you could be so small about anything,” said Selena, who was just angry enough to use the word “small” but not quite brave enough to emphasize it.

From "Nine Stories" by J. D. Salinger

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

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