Synonyms

emphasize

American

[em-fuh-sahyz] / ˈɛm fəˌsaɪz /

especially British, emphasise

verb (used with object)

emphasized, emphasizing

to give emphasis to; lay stress upon; stress.

to emphasize a point;
to emphasize the eyes with mascara.

Synonyms:

highlight, accentuate, accent

emphasize British

/ ˈɛmfəˌsaɪz /

verb

(tr) to give emphasis or prominence to; stress

"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

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of emphasize

First recorded in 1820–30; emphas(is) + -ize

Explanation

To emphasize is to make something important, or stress it, like when you were little and your parents would always emphasize the importance of looking both ways before crossing the street. They told you again and again and again. And again. The verb emphasize works when you really want to stress a point or give extra weight to an issue. Emphasize comes from words that mean “significance” and “to present or show.” A player who finally makes the varsity team might emphasize this achievement by always wearing his practice jersey — even off the field, or you might emphasize the importance of being on time by locking the door on latecomers.

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Vocabulary lists containing emphasize

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The Language of Standardized Tests, List 1

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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.

To emphasize the points, Palantir said during the earnings call that it had replaced its legacy customer relations management software with a new solution built on AIP.

From Barron's • May 6, 2026

Reels, stories and stitches all emphasize our humanity.

From Salon • May 4, 2026

Soon, musicians will be able to describe new career milestones and details for upcoming releases and tours — all in an effort to emphasize the organic, human connection between artists and their fans.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

Still, the researchers emphasize that staying active overall remains important.

From Science Daily • Apr. 27, 2026

During the ride the driver said nothing else, but Ignatius practiced his speech loudly in the backseat, rapping his cutlass against the front seat to emphasize certain key points.

From "A Confederacy of Dunces" by John Kennedy Toole

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023