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Synonyms

de-emphasize

American  
[dee-em-fuh-sahyz] / diˈɛm fəˌsaɪz /
especially British, de-emphasise

verb (used with object)

de-emphasized, de-emphasizing
  1. to place less emphasis upon; reduce in importance, size, scope, etc..

    The university de-emphasized intercollegiate football.


de-emphasize British  
/ diːˈɛmfəˌsaɪz /

verb

  1. (tr) to remove emphasis from

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of de-emphasize

First recorded in 1935–40; de- + emphasize

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Success will likely require heavy investment in the core brands, along with tough choices to divest or de-emphasize others.

From The Wall Street Journal

Some Berkshire watchers think that Abel will de-emphasize equity investing as CEO.

From Barron's

Lockheed stock was flat over that span, with investors worried that militaries would de-emphasize their manned fighter jets in favor of lower-cost autonomous systems.

From Barron's

“When you de-emphasize that, then you just call up your friends as you were doing before,” she said.

From The Wall Street Journal

McLennan explained that the fund will, at times, de-emphasize gold and load up more on stocks.

From MarketWatch