Synonyms of punctuate

punctuate

verb

ˈpəŋk-chə-ˌwāt 

as in to emphasize

to indicate the importance of by centering attention on

punctuated each and every word of his denial with a pound of his fist on the table

Synonyms & Similar Words

• emphasize
• highlight
• stress
• feature
• accent
• accentuate
• identify
• illuminate
• point (up)
• play up
• focus
• foreground
• promote
• bear down on
• pinpoint
• make much of
• press
• advertise
• publicize
• spotlight
• boost
• plug
• overplay

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• tone (down)
• play down
• minimize
• understate
• de-emphasize
• underemphasize
• disparage
• belittle
• discount

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of punctuate

The Edmonton onslaught was punctuated by a pair of short-handed goals the Oilers scored in quick succession in the second period. — Thomas Drance, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2026

Big emotional moments are punctuated by striking shots of fiery, mountainside sunsets and comforting, homestead greenery. — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 1 Oct. 2026

The Dodgers’ back-to-back World Series championships each have been punctuated by the Freddie Freeman Signature Moment. — Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2026

Haring, whose artwork is characterized by bold outlines and rhythmic figures punctuated by playful wit, has become synonymous with the 1980s New York downtown art scene. — Francesca Aton, ARTnews.com, 30 Sep. 2026