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

Real-world examples across the state underscore the point.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

The results may also have implications for human health, as they underscore how microplastics travel globally through the atmosphere and may be present in the air we breathe.

From Science Daily • Mar. 23, 2026

Every now and then Ted pops in to watch with me, pausing the video to underscore a particularly dramatic moment: “See how she’s working around the vase? That’s an accident waiting to happen. ”

From "Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America" by Barbara Ehrenreich

Related Words

• accentuate
• highlight
• indicate
• mark
• stress