emphasize

especially British, em·pha·sise

[em-fuh-sahyz]

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

emphasize

/ ˈɛmfəˌsaɪz /

verb

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

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of emphasize¹

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

Example Sentences

If anything, Thomson emphasized how critical the game was by saying before the game that Ranger Suarez and Aaron Nola could pitch in relief.

From Los Angeles Times

Some see Weiss as likely to tamp down coverage of Gaza or to emphasize narratives that align with the Israeli government’s ideology.

From Salon

Originalists also emphasize the role of federalism as a core constitutional principle.

From Salon

Lucumí emphasizes character, balance and connection to the divine through orishas, “which are the energies that are tied to nature and the person’s own balance in the world,” explained Beliso-De Jesús.

From Los Angeles Times

Hegseth has repeatedly emphasized that the updated fitness requirements for troops are part of a larger effort to achieve a “warrior ethos” in the U.S. military.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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