EMPHASIZE Synonyms: 57 Similar and Opposite Words

emphasize

verb

ˈem(p)-fə-ˌsīz

Definition of emphasize

as in to highlight

to indicate the importance of by centering attention on supermarket tabloids that emphasize sensational news stories

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to reinforce

to make more apparent that huge belt buckle only emphasizes his big gut

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 emphasize But Wiley emphasized the program serves a purpose beyond fun and games. — Charlotte Observer, 28 Aug. 2026 Dr Zamani emphasizes that when retinol is in the equation, a simple skin-care routine is crucial. — Ellie Davis, Vogue, 28 Aug. 2026 In 1974, the computer scientist Donald Knuth offered a distinct view of the field that emphasized the process of computing rather than computers themselves. — Ben Brubaker, Quanta Magazine, 28 Aug. 2026 Others emphasize the role of objects in networks of human relations. — Literary Hub, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for emphasize

Recent Examples of Synonyms for 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

The look also pulls from indie sleaze, which Trendalytics reports is up 80% in social buzz, reinforcing the messy, early-2000s finish that defines the trend.

— Ashley Lynch, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026
Both formulas pair moisture-drawing glycerin with pea peptide and a trio of ceramides to condition and reinforce dry, stressed hair.

— Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of reinforce

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

Verb

The rare meeting underscored Washington's willingness to reopen high-level diplomatic channels with Moscow, even as European allies have intended to keep the nation isolated while the war continues.

— Anniek Bao, CNBC, 1 Sep. 2026
The lasting power truly underscores why a good luxury fragrance is always worth it—three spritzes are enough to last me well over eight hours.

— Kara Jillian Brown, InStyle, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of underscore

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

Meta agreed to impose changes including a default two-hour daily time limit for teens across Facebook and Instagram, muted notifications during school hours, and enhanced parental controls, with more updates potentially on the horizon.

— Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2026
Leaders must prioritize building cognitive and identity infrastructure, focusing on *how* people think and their self-authorship, ensuring AI enhances human judgment rather than standardizing it.

— Glenn Llopis, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of enhance

Verb

Under titles including work, community, motherhood, sports and civic life, the diverse array of artists effectively underlines the essential nature of these experiences.

— Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026
In the Dash film and across the Prada show, Cao boldly addresses a critical quandary (one that is underlined by her pairing of romantic and pastoral imagery with posters that once promoted Mao- and Reform-era agricultural mechanization initiatives).

— Pablo Larios, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of underline

Verb

Since seizing power, Tiani’s government has shifted away from Western partners, deepened ties with Russia and broken with the regional ECOWAS bloc, joining Mali and Burkina Faso to form the breakaway AES bloc.

— Reuters, NBC news, 29 Aug. 2026
My 50s has just continued to be about trying to figure out my place in the world and deepening my friendships with my friends, my family.

— Yvonne Villarreal, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of deepen

Browse Nearby Words

emphasis

emphasize

emphasized

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

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

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Synonyms of emphasize

verb

Example Sentences

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