de-emphasize

verb

de-em·​pha·​size (ˌ)dē-ˈem(p)-fə-ˌsīz How to pronounce de-emphasize (audio)
de-emphasized; de-emphasizing; de-emphasizes
Synonyms of de-emphasizenext

transitive verb

: to reduce in relative importance
also : play down
de-emphasis
(ˌ)dē-ˈem(p)-fə-səs How to pronounce de-emphasize (audio)
noun

Synonyms of de-emphasize

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Examples of de-emphasize in a Sentence

you're at a point in your career where you can de-emphasize your academic record and emphasize your work experience
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
At the very least, players and parents feel the university is de-emphasizing its support for lacrosse. — Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 27 May 2026 Just as some young workers must be redirected from the firms that are de-emphasizing entry-level work, small business owners need to invest in training them. — Revana Sharfuddin, Twin Cities, 31 May 2026 Our tactile and sensory life has been de-emphasized in favor of ideas, symbols, accomplishments, and abstractions. — Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 16 June 2026 Everything less relevant should be ruthlessly de-emphasized (or removed) to prevent it from diluting your signal. — Volen Vulkov, Forbes.com, 11 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for de-emphasize

Word History

First Known Use

1938, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of de-emphasize was in 1938

Rhymes for de-emphasize

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Browse Nearby Words

de-emphasis
de-emphasize
deemster
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Cite this Entry

“De-emphasize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/de-emphasize. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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