underscore

American  

[uhn-der-skawr, -skohr, uhn-der-skawr, -skohr, uhn-der-skawr, -skohr] / ˈʌn dərˌskɔr, -ˌskoʊr, ˌʌn dərˈskɔr, -ˈskoʊr, ˈʌn dərˌskɔr, -ˌskoʊr /

verb (used with object)

underscored, underscoring

1. to mark with a line or lines underneath; underline, as for emphasis.

2. to stress; emphasize.

   The recent tragedy underscores the danger of disregarding safety rules.

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noun

1. a line drawn beneath something written or printed.

2. music for a film soundtrack; background for a film or stage production.

underscore British  

verb

1. to draw or score a line or mark under

2. to stress or reinforce

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noun

1. a line drawn under written matter

Etymology

Origin of underscore

First recorded in 1765–75; under- + score

Example Sentences

Under the surface of the March employment report, however, were some disturbing signs that underscore the U.S. labor market is not as good as it looks.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 3, 2026

Instead of making the case for the war, Rubio’s comments underscore its fragility.

From Salon • Apr. 1, 2026

The rebranding is part of a pivot to underscore its strength in protein, which is hot right now.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 10, 2026

The losses underscore the extent to which the conflict in Iran has upended perceived wisdom in the bond markets.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 10, 2026

Ben Franklin’s autobiography was punched up after his death to underscore his rise from obscurity.

From "Class Matters" by The New York Times

Related Words

• accentuate
• highlight
• indicate
• mark
• stress