DE-EMPHASIZE Synonyms: 39 Similar and Opposite Words

de-emphasize

verb

(ˌ)dē-ˈem(p)-fə-ˌsīz

Definition of de-emphasize

as in to minimize

to reduce in apparent importance you're at a point in your career where you can de-emphasize your academic record and emphasize your work experience

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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 de-emphasize 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 At the very least, players and parents feel the university is de-emphasizing its support for lacrosse. — Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 27 May 2026 Along with his predecessor Pam Bondi, Blanche oversaw a Justice Department that radically de-emphasized the prosecution of white-collar crimes, like the kind the Kaplan twins were convicted of. — Noah Shachtman, Vanity Fair, 26 May 2026 However, Sempra is in the process of de-emphasizing its LNG investments. — Rob Nikolewski, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for de-emphasize

Recent Examples of Synonyms for de-emphasize

Verb

The frack happening beneath us was about half as deep as Mount Everest is high, in a section of oil-rich rock that used to be considered out of reach; other innovations allow for simultaneous fracks, minimizing downtime.

— Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 22 Oct. 2026
Eco effort As a camp that focuses on conservation, minimizing environmental impact is the cornerstone of the Wilderness Desert Rhino ethos.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of minimize

Verb

Yet, the complaint says, both downplayed their firsthand knowledge of the laptop or involvement in investigations during 2023 congressional testimony.

— Eric Tucker, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
One of the proposal's drafters, Darien Shanske, a law professor at UC Davis, downplays reports of wealthy Californians relocating in anticipation of the measure.

— Trevor Laurence Jockims, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of downplay

Verb

Ben-Gvir dismisses concerns that such policies would cement Israel’s status as a pariah state.

— Eric Cortellessa, Time, 22 Oct. 2026
Lower courts had dismissed the case because Asian American students were not underrepresented at the magnet schools compared with the pool of students that applied.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of dismiss

Verb

That’s not because Crystal soft-pedals the emotional horror of returning to your home to find charred remains after watching, helpless, as flames took the locus of all your best memories.

— Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026
That’s not because Crystal soft-pedals the emotional horror of returning to the charred remains of your home after watching, helpless, as flames took the locus of all your best memories.

— Chris Jones, New York Daily News, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of soft-pedal

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de-emphasis

de-emphasize

de-emphasized

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“De-emphasize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/de-emphasize. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of de-emphasize

verb

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