EMPHASIZE Synonyms: 57 Similar and Opposite Words

emphasize

verb

ˈem(p)-fə-ˌsīz

Definition of emphasize

as in to highlight

to indicate the importance of by centering attention on supermarket tabloids that emphasize sensational news stories

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to reinforce

to make more apparent that huge belt buckle only emphasizes his big gut

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of emphasize But Wiley emphasized the program serves a purpose beyond fun and games. — Charlotte Observer, 28 Aug. 2026 Dr Zamani emphasizes that when retinol is in the equation, a simple skin-care routine is crucial. — Ellie Davis, Vogue, 28 Aug. 2026 In 1974, the computer scientist Donald Knuth offered a distinct view of the field that emphasized the process of computing rather than computers themselves. — Ben Brubaker, Quanta Magazine, 28 Aug. 2026 Others emphasize the role of objects in networks of human relations. — Literary Hub, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for emphasize

Recent Examples of Synonyms for emphasize

Verb

In a statement posted on social media, Obama highlighted Parton’s humble roots, colossal impact in music and Hollywood, and her philanthropic work.

— Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 26 Aug. 2026
The Property Masters Guild aims to highlight and elevate the craft of the Property Master by raising awareness, fostering collaboration among craft artisans, educating its members and inspiring future generations of Property Masters.

— Isabelle Farina, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of highlight

Verb

The look also pulls from indie sleaze, which Trendalytics reports is up 80% in social buzz, reinforcing the messy, early-2000s finish that defines the trend.

— Ashley Lynch, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026
Both formulas pair moisture-drawing glycerin with pea peptide and a trio of ceramides to condition and reinforce dry, stressed hair.

— Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of reinforce

Verb

The black patent leather high heel sandal featured a prominent, voluminous pompom and fringe trim at the heel.

— Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 27 Aug. 2026
Yamazaki returns as director for a film Toho and Gkids describe as featuring more extensive effects work than its predecessor, while keeping its post-World War II Japan setting grounded in the experiences of its characters.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of feature

Verb

The race to get Groq chips into customers' hands underscores the growing premium on low-latency inference, the speed that keeps AI agents feeling responsive, especially for coding tools.

— Anniek Bao, CNBC, 25 Aug. 2026
Tributes to Parton have come from across the political spectrum, underscoring her status as a unifying figure at a time of polarization.

— Ted Johnson, Deadline, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of underscore

Verb

Community health workers also stress AI's inability to build trust and human connection, especially in underserved areas.

— Lisa Fitzpatrick, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Responding to journalists' questions, Macron urged the United States not to hoard cutting-edge AI technologies for itself and stressed that countries must engage in global cooperation on AI regulation.

— , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of stress

Verb

Meta agreed to impose changes including a default two-hour daily time limit for teens across Facebook and Instagram, muted notifications during school hours, and enhanced parental controls, with more updates potentially on the horizon.

— Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2026
Leaders must prioritize building cognitive and identity infrastructure, focusing on *how* people think and their self-authorship, ensuring AI enhances human judgment rather than standardizing it.

— Glenn Llopis, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of enhance

Verb

Forest’s need for more firepower was underlined by a 2-0 defeat to Leeds in the Carabao Cup, with Wood coming closest to scoring.

— Thom Harris, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
That marks a shift from past levies — and further underlines questions around the future of the USMCA overall.

— Wyatte Grantham-Philips, Los Angeles Times, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of underline

Verb

Since seizing power, Tiani’s government has shifted away from Western partners, deepened ties with Russia and broken with the regional ECOWAS bloc, joining Mali and Burkina Faso to form the breakaway AES bloc.

— Reuters, NBC news, 29 Aug. 2026
My 50s has just continued to be about trying to figure out my place in the world and deepening my friendships with my friends, my family.

— Yvonne Villarreal, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of deepen

Browse Nearby Words

emphasis

emphasize

emphasized

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Emphasize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/emphasize. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of emphasize

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

conscientious

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Popular in Wordplay

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Games & Quizzes