emphasize

verb

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

transitive verb

: to place emphasis on : stress
emphasized the need for reform

Synonyms of emphasize

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Examples of emphasize in a Sentence

supermarket tabloids that emphasize sensational news stories that huge belt buckle only emphasizes his big gut
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.
What readers are saying The comments discuss various aspects of maintaining health and well-being as one ages, emphasizing the importance of exercise, healthy eating, adequate sleep, and mental activity. — Richard Sima, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2026 Throughout the race, the pastor has emphasized lowering the cost of goods and sought to cast Marshall as closely aligned with an unpopular president. — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 27 Oct. 2026 One participant, who emphasized that their organization was actively trying to adapt, acknowledged that the organization’s size and more than 100-year legacy were critically slowing the pace of adaptation. — Carol Geffner, Forbes.com, 26 Oct. 2026 The evening also featured a video message from Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who emphasized cinema’s role in bringing people together across national and cultural boundaries. — Gavin Blair, HollywoodReporter, 26 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for emphasize

Word History

Etymology

emphas(is) + -ize

First Known Use

1793, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of emphasize was in 1793

Phrases Containing emphasize

Rhymes for emphasize

See All Rhymes for emphasize

Browse Nearby Words

emphasise
emphasize
emphatic
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Cite this Entry

“Emphasize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/emphasize. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

emphasize

verb
em·​pha·​size ˈem(p)-fə-ˌsīz How to pronounce emphasize (audio)
emphasized; emphasizing
: to place emphasis on : stress as being important or so as to stand out
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