UNDERSCORING Synonyms: 60 Similar and Opposite Words

underscoring 1 of 2

noun

as in emphasis

a special notice or importance given to something the underscoring we've given the play's local setting will hopefully increase ticket sales

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

underscoring

2 of 2

verb

present participle of underscore

as in emphasizing

to make more apparent a history of the Old West that underscores the role that pioneer women had in bringing order and stability to the wild frontier

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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 underscoring

Noun

The staging could do without the underscoring that becomes heavy-handed in the play’s later stages. — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2026 Sound designer Hunter Moody provides delicate underscoring setting appropriate to moods as needed. — Christopher Smith, Oc Register, 7 Apr. 2026 But from the opening moments, set in the cozy cabinet of curiosities shop — cue orchestrator/arranger Matt Brind’s mysterious and twinkling Danny Elfman-esque underscoring — there’s real precision to Luke Sheppard’s production. — David Benedict, Variety, 30 Nov. 2025

Verb

Meanwhile, about 200 of the state's 254 counties are under burn bans, underscoring how dry conditions remain. — Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026 The Thousand Oaks market, Erewhon’s 15th, features store-specific merchandise and an exclusive Amidst The Oaks smoothie, with proceeds supporting Manna Conejo Food Bank, underscoring the chain’s mix of indulgence and local philanthropy. — Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026 Summary Karoline Leavitt is leaving her high-profile White House role to prioritize her children, underscoring a systemic challenge for parents in demanding careers. — Kim Elsesser, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026 In 2026, the list includes zip codes tied to some of the largest metro areas in the Midwest and Northeast—New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Chicago, and Detroit—underscoring how much appeal big city-adjacent living holds for buyers. — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 27 Aug. 2026 Dolly Parton’s generosity is coming into sharper focus in the days following her death, with new details about her final health battle underscoring the same selflessness that defined so much of her public life. — Spin Staff, SPIN, 27 Aug. 2026 Previous economic impact analyses projected the Academy would contribute more than $15 million to the local economy over a six-year period, underscoring the lasting value this event brings to our region. — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 26 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 The development marks yet another incident in which Russia's war in Ukraine has potentially spilled beyond the country's borders, underscoring risk to critical infrastructure. — Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 21 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for underscoring

Noun

The investment comes as militaries are placing greater emphasis on electronic warfare, airborne sensing and the ability to operate in environments where communications and radar systems may be contested.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 27 Aug. 2026
That was an emphasis in the spring because IU’s first team under DeVries struggled on the glass, ranking 279th in defensive rebounding rate, and finished 14th in defensive efficiency in conference games in the Big Ten.

— CJ Moore, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of emphasis

Verb

The findings build on a growing body of research on the neurological connections between the brain and the digestive system, emphasizing the importance of our gut bacteria in maintaining good cognitive health.

— Mike McRae August 25, New Atlas, 25 Aug. 2026
Under Norman, the defensive linemen as a group are doing drills and emphasizing parts of the position that weren’t given as much attention previously, and Funderburg has been a chief beneficiary.

— Steve Reaven, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of emphasizing

Verb

These funds have been vital for reinforcing vulnerable coastal infrastructure against severe weather, addressing deferred maintenance, and ensuring the long-term preservation of key visitor-facing structures.

— Lulu Vilas, Sun Sentinel, 25 Aug. 2026
Micron , Broadcom , Synopsys and Cadence Design also appeared on the sympathy list, reinforcing how Nvidia has become a read-through for companies across the chip space.

— Nick Wells, CNBC, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of reinforcing

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underscores

underscoring

undersea

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

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Synonyms of underscoring

noun

verb

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