accentuates

verb

present tense third-person singular of accentuate
1
as in emphasizes
to indicate the importance of by centering attention on let's accentuate the saxophones during this piece by having the sax players stand up

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in enhances
to make markedly greater in measure or degree the foul weather merely accentuated my feelings of depression

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in reinforces
to make more apparent unfortunately, the new bedspread just accentuates the dinginess of the curtains behind the bed

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 accentuates It’s made from 98 percent cotton with a hint of elastane, offering a comfortable, stretchy, and figure-flattering fit that accentuates my waistline, while the not-too-short hem elongates my legs. — Ali Faccenda, InStyle, 25 Sep. 2026 An off-white, open-neck top with black fringe across the front and shoulders accentuates the geometric appeal of her geisha-like vibe. — Lily Moayeri, SPIN, 8 Sep. 2026 Perched above the custom triple clamps are narrow ape-hanger handlebars flanked by a classic square headlight and a handcrafted cowl that accentuates the bike's narrow silhouette. — New Atlas, 2 Sep. 2026 The simplicity, the beauty that enhances your own features and accentuates what is naturally you. — Brittany Talarico, PEOPLE, 18 Aug. 2026 While an option like the orange-and-white stripe accentuates the sofa’s inherent whimsy, it’d be easy to achieve a more serious look with one of the solid-colored upholstery options. — Alyssa Marino Williams, Architectural Digest, 6 Aug. 2026 But this is what the All-Star Game not only allows but accentuates — the opportunity to talk about the individual. — Sam McDowell 7, Kansas City Star, 7 July 2026 The common thread between these two looks is the triangle halter neckline, with straps that meet at the neck and accentuates the shoulders. — Tatiana Ojea, Glamour, 5 July 2026 Attraction Of Two Distinct Towns Both Munich and Dresden carry their own attraction for startups, whilst their proximity and connectivity accentuates it. — Gaurav Sharma, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for accentuates
  1. emphasizes
  2. enhances
  3. reinforces
  4. highlights
  5. intensifies
  6. stresses
  7. heightens
  8. features
Verb
  • According to Gatto, the right traditionally emphasizes tougher criminal penalties for aggressors, while the left places greater emphasis on protection and support for victims, including shelters and specialized services.
    — Alessandra Freitas, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2026
  • The approach—which emphasizes empathy, boundaries, and collaboration over punishment—has drawn a fair share of criticism.
    — Alex Vance, Parents, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of emphasizes
Verb
  • The aluminum model enhances the tactile experience with the cool sensation of metal rather than plastic.
    — Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 21 Oct. 2026
  • This non-precious Ni/Co heterostructure electrode enhances performance and lowers costs in alkaline water electrolysis.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of enhances
Verb
  • His son Gal, 25, was killed fighting in Gaza in December 2023, a loss that reinforces his appeal to voters focused on security.
    — Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2026
  • That growing threat reinforces our conviction in cybersecurity as a long-term AI winner.
    — Alexa LoMonaco,Matthew J. Belvedere,Jeff Marks, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of reinforces
Verb
  • Indiana University School of Medicine virologist Natasha Tilston-Lunel highlights the Oropouche cases, but notes that the Schmallenberg virus, which is closely related to Shamonda, has been found to be widespread in livestock but not humans.
    — Sahas Mehra, Scientific American, 28 Oct. 2026
  • The deal highlights the continuing allure of Abu Dhabi wealth for Wall Street’s biggest investors despite the Iran war.
    — Matthew Martin, semafor.com, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of highlights
Verb
  • The dispute unfolds as Russia intensifies attacks across Ukraine and as Kyiv presses Western allies for more interceptors, while new diplomatic efforts seek to end the war.
    — Derek Gatopoulos, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026
  • If the war with Iran intensifies again, foreign executives will be reluctant to even visit Saudi Arabia, let alone invest in it.
    — Matthew Martin, semafor.com, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of intensifies
Verb
  • The memo stresses that troops are forbidden from using both classified and unclassified but nonpublic information to make trades on platforms like Polymarket and Kalshi.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Riders without their dragons are as good as dead, and vice versa, which stresses the bond between human and beast formed on Threshing Day.
    — Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of stresses
Verb
  • That heightens the stakes for chairman Warsh, who has expressed a preference for fewer words at a time when investors may prefer clearer communication.
    — Sarah Min, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Call it transcendental, the character’s deepening sense of luminosity, the way his empathy heightens as his consciousness expands.
    — David L. Ulin, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of heightens
Verb
  • The Base-01 features an inflatable exo-frame holding up a weatherproof skin to serve as a transportable, fast-pitching sun shelter, mobile garage, mission control center, and roomy hostel for you and up to nine of your closest friends and allies.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 25 Oct. 2026
  • The property features only three suites and can be rented out as a family or friend holiday house.
    — Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of features

Browse Nearby Words

accentuated
accentuates
accentuating
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Cite this Entry

“Accentuates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/accentuates. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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