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 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

Researchers emphasize that the findings show an association, not proof that lifelong learning directly prevents Alzheimer's.

From Science Daily • 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

Though Folan had studied with swamis for whom yoga was a religious practice, she didn’t emphasize those aspects to her audiences.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

I find the rituals comforting—the tried-and-true hymns, sermons by the mild- mannered, slope-shouldered reverend that emphasize decency and good manners.

From "Orphan Train" by Christina Baker Kline

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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