UNDERLINE Synonyms: 32 Similar and Opposite Words

underline

verb

ˈən-dər-ˌlīn

Definition of underline

as in to emphasize

to indicate the importance of by giving prominent display the dean's speech underlined some of the impressive accomplishments racked up by members of the graduation class

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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 underline Forest’s need for more firepower was underlined by a 2-0 defeat to Leeds in the Carabao Cup, with Wood coming closest to scoring. — Thom Harris, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 Additionally, its proximity to the Sorbonne, the country’s oldest and most prestigious university, further underlined the educational and secular nature of the endeavor. — Shannon Fogg, The Conversation, 26 Aug. 2026 Such testimony is de rigueur in a murder trial, of course, but these exchanges underlined yet more unanswered questions about this case. — Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 22 Aug. 2026 This sense was underlined by Arsenal’s pursuit of Vinicius Junior. — Graham Ruthven, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for underline

Recent Examples of Synonyms for underline

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

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

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underlies

underline

underlined

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Style

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

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Synonyms of underline

verb

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