emphasize
Americanverb (used with object)
verb
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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The AHA’s recommendations, published in Circulation, emphasize starting a heart-healthy diet at age 1 and maintaining it throughout life.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026
To overcome these barriers, scientists emphasize the need for collaboration across disciplines.
From Science Daily • Mar. 31, 2026
Abecasis is keen to emphasize that the private-credit sector is relatively small in size.
From MarketWatch • Mar. 24, 2026
Here, I thought of Bluey’s more tender moments — those, for instance, that emphasize becoming comfortable with growing older and letting go.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 22, 2026
Except I’ll make the “D” capital, so you have to, like, emphasize the second syllable, you know?
From "The Misfits" by James Howe
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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.