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.

Despite the heavy element of retail participation, analysts and strategists emphasize that the South Korean market has genuine fundamental appeal to investors.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 9, 2026

Instead of focusing solely on opposition, many activists now emphasize building parallel institutions, celebrations and messaging campaigns.

From Salon • Jun. 6, 2026

Employers increasingly emphasize demonstrated competencies, project-based experience and practical problem-solving abilities.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 5, 2026

They emphasize that laboratory studies will be needed to confirm the observed relationships between gut bacteria and neurodevelopment.

From Science Daily • Jun. 2, 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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