accent 1 of 2

noun

ˈak-ˌsent How to pronounce accent (audio)
Definition of accentnext
as in emphasis
a special notice or importance given to something although we dutifully carried binoculars on our bird walk, the accent was on recognizing avifauna by their song

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

accent

2 of 2

verb

ˈak-ˌsent How to pronounce accent (audio)
as in to emphasize
to indicate the importance of by centering attention on the town's promotional literature accents its vital role in American history

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of accent
Noun
In fact, the strange and inconsistent accents really undermine any coherent sense of place; as the closest to a native, Pedraza only barely seems indigenous. — Todd Gilchrist, Variety, 27 Aug. 2026 The Reef Al Giallo stroller, designed with Lamborghini, features the same weight standards but is painted in black with yellow accents, and Lamborghini badges can be found all around. — Keenan Thompson, Freep.com, 27 Aug. 2026
Verb
The reception desk is accented by an angular brass piece evoking an airplane wing, and the Academy’s four class colors—blue, silver, red, and gold—show up in the carpeting and at the various entrances to the property. — Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2026 Small floral and feather appliqués accented the bust and neckline. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for accent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for accent
  1. emphasis
  2. emphasize
  3. highlight
  4. stress
  5. feature
Noun
  • Precision Strike in a More Contested Environment Another notable element of the demonstration is the emphasis on operating in difficult electronic and environmental conditions.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Varma’s popularity grew at the height of the British Empire in India, as Western-style oil painting, with its emphasis on depth and chiaroscuro, gained prominence in the country.
    — Noor Anand Chawla, JSTOR Daily, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of emphasis
Verb
  • At a high level of abstraction, some scholars emphasize the multiplicity itself as a key aspect of Hinduism.
    — Charles Preston, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Since Tiffany’s attacks began, Crowley has moved in Hong’s general direction, emphasizing his requirements—using exclusively renewable energy to power new data centers, building them with union labor—for developers to receive the tax breaks.
    — Dan Kaufman, New Yorker, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of emphasize
Verb
  • Held over 10 days each October, the event started in 1957 as a way to both highlight the bridges and unite the county’s communities in a tourism effort.
    — Julia Sayers Gokhale, Midwest Living, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Most videos across the network were titled with the name of a Democratic politician, followed by an all-caps verb highlighting a negative economic story, a recent scandal, or alleged corruption.
    — Max Tani, semafor.com, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of highlight
Verb
  • Community health workers also stress AI's inability to build trust and human connection, especially in underserved areas.
    — Lisa Fitzpatrick, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Responding to journalists' questions, Macron urged the United States not to hoard cutting-edge AI technologies for itself and stressed that countries must engage in global cooperation on AI regulation.
    — , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of stress
Verb
  • The publication grew under her leadership, and encompassed a more diverse range of voices, featuring the likes of Maya Angelou, Angela Davis, and Alice Walker.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The 2027 edition of Hot Docs, set for April 23-May 2, is sure to feature a lineup of world premieres and acclaimed documentaries from around the globe.
    — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of feature

Browse Nearby Words

acceleration
accent
accented
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Accent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/accent. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on accent

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about accent

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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