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

Explanation

To underscore is to draw special attention to a fact, idea, or situation. When you're involved in a debate, it’s wise to underscore the points that best support your argument. Literally, underscore means “to underline,” or draw a line beneath a word to emphasize it. In common speech, to underscore something is to call attention to it. If a worker sustained an injury on the job, for instance, the event would underscore the need for workplace safety. Underscore is also used to mean "emphasize." During a job interview, you want to underscore any experience that relates to the job you are applying for.

Example Sentences

"Creatine's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties further underscore its promise in clinical settings, though more robust trials are needed to confirm these benefits," he explains.

From Science Daily • May 4, 2026

The latest round of reports on the economy underscore its tenacity — and suggest it’s likely to keep expanding.

From MarketWatch • May 2, 2026

The agreements underscore how tech companies are expanding their work with the U.S. military even as some workers raise concerns about the use of AI for autonomous weapons and mass surveillance.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

Yet, during my visit, I was also hit up by a panhandler as if to perfectly underscore that there are two Americas showing up at the most American of American restaurants.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

To underscore her authority it is likely that Cleopatra arranged a stop at Memphis—the former capital where the pharaohs of ages past resided.

From "Sterling Biographies®: Cleopatra: Egypt's Last and Greatest Queen" by Susan Blackaby

Related Words

• accentuate
• highlight
• indicate
• mark
• stress