emphasize

American  

[em-fuh-sahyz] / ˈɛm fəˌsaɪz /

especially British, emphasise

verb (used with object)

emphasized, emphasizing

1. to give emphasis to; lay stress upon; stress: to emphasize the eyes with mascara.

   to emphasize a point;

   to emphasize the eyes with mascara.

   Synonyms:

   highlight, accentuate, accent

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emphasize British  

/ ˈɛmfəˌsaɪz /

verb

1. (tr) to give emphasis or prominence to; stress

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Other Word Forms

• hyperemphasize verb (used with object)
• misemphasize verb (used with object)
• reemphasize verb (used with object)
• superemphasize verb (used with object)
• unemphasizing adjective

Etymology

Origin of emphasize

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

Example Sentences

Publicis also plans to emphasize data optimization, where the Publicis Sports Intelligence platform can plan and measure investments across the business.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2026

To overcome these barriers, scientists emphasize the need for collaboration across disciplines.

From Science Daily • Mar. 31, 2026

The researchers emphasize that the system is still in the research stage and requires further development before it can be used commercially.

From Science Daily • Mar. 29, 2026

People should know where to park, they said, noting the company recently hung new signs to emphasize which spots were designated for which vehicles.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 25, 2026

The idea was to drive to Usedom, an island in the Baltic, and stay in an old resort once favored by Wilhelm II. I made a point to emphasize that we would have separate rooms.

From "Middlesex: A Novel" by Jeffrey Eugenides

Related Words

• accentuate
• affirm
• assert
• highlight
• indicate
• maintain
• point out
• reiterate
• repeat
• underline
• underscore