underscore
Americanverb (used with object)
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to mark with a line or lines underneath; underline, as for emphasis.
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to stress; emphasize.
The recent tragedy underscores the danger of disregarding safety rules.
noun
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a line drawn beneath something written or printed.
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music for a film soundtrack; background for a film or stage production.
verb
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to draw or score a line or mark under
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to stress or reinforce
noun
Other Word Forms
Inflected Forms
Nouns
Participles
Conjugated Forms
Present
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underscoresimple
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underscoressimple
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have underscoredperfect
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has underscoredperfect
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am underscoringprogressive
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are underscoringprogressive
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is underscoringprogressive
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have been underscoringperfect progressive
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has been underscoringperfect progressive
Past
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underscoredsimple
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had underscoredperfect
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was underscoringprogressive
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were underscoringprogressive
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had been underscoringperfect progressive
Future
Etymology
Origin of underscore
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.
Vocabulary lists containing underscore
The SAT: Language of the Test, List 2
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The ACT: The Language of the Test, List 2
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The New SAT: The Language of the Test
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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.
Some of the best-known cases underscore this finding.
From Salon • Jun. 20, 2026
Researchers say the findings underscore the need for a better understanding of TFA pollution and its potential impacts.
From Science Daily • Jun. 9, 2026
Unlike 2022, when inflation expectations rose in tandem with actual inflation, the divergence this year between the two may underscore changes in growth expectations rather than a pure inflation story, said Gillum at LPL Financial.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 4, 2026
These underscore the geopolitical risks to the transition and could both delay "India's EV rollout and affect cost competitiveness", the consultancy said in a recent report.
From BBC • Jun. 3, 2026
To underscore Babulya’s words, the house spirit stood up tall on Babulya’s shoulder and flicked his wrist at Ivan.
From Anya and the Dragon by Sofiya Pasternack
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.
