emphasize

verb

em·​pha·​size ˈem(p)-fə-ˌsīz 

emphasized; emphasizing

transitive verb

: to place emphasis on : stress

emphasized the need for reform

Synonyms of emphasize

• highlight
• feature
• stress

Examples of emphasize in a Sentence

supermarket tabloids that emphasize sensational news stories

that huge belt buckle only emphasizes his big gut

Recent Examples on the Web

Campara has long emphasized the importance of self-expression and co-creation and this is yet another development in alignment with his views. — Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026

Child Mind Institute guidance on communicating with teenagers emphasizes listening, validating feelings and creating space where kids feel safe speaking up. — Ashley Lynch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Oct. 2026

Subsequent promo materials continued to emphasize Chastain’s grotesquely elastic role, with an eye-catching outdoor ad campaign spotlighting the character’s unsettling expression and making her movie recognizable at a glance. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 12 Oct. 2026

The panel opened with a lengthy behind-the-scenes montage that emphasized the cast and crew on big 360-degree outdoor sets, practical effects, and a familial atmosphere. — Joshua Rivera, Vulture, 12 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

emphas(is) + -ize

First Known Use

1793, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing emphasize

• de-emphasize
• re-emphasize

Rhymes for emphasize

• advertise
• aggrandize
• alibis
• alkalies
• alkalis
• amortize
• amplifies
• analyse
• analyze
• anywise
• authorize
• butterflies

Kids Definition

emphasize

verb

em·​pha·​size ˈem(p)-fə-ˌsīz 

emphasized; emphasizing

: to place emphasis on : stress as being important or so as to stand out