punctuating

verb

present participle of punctuate
as in emphasizing
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

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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 punctuating Paired with a prominent pink lip and punctuating updo, the glam appeared as if it were plucked from an early 2000s look book. — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 24 Sep. 2026 DeSorbo says in late July, punctuating the thought with her signature giggle. — Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 23 Sep. 2026 Historic Hills Scenic Byway Iowa Autumn color paints the valleys and family farms between the Villages of Van Buren County, seven historic burgs punctuating this quiet 105-mile drive along the Des Moines River in southeast Iowa. — Hannah Agran, Midwest Living, 12 Sep. 2026 Mensah capped that drive with a 23-yard touchdown pass to Toney and the two connected on a 2-yard score on the next possession with Toney punctuating both TDs with a Heisman pose for the Hurricanes fans in that corner of the stadium. — ABC News, 5 Sep. 2026 Which brings us to the astonishing contrast amplified on Thursday night with the unveiling of the $250 million north end zone project punctuating MU’s 100th anniversary in the stadium. — Kansas City Star, 4 Sep. 2026 The attack comes as Russia has sharply intensified its air campaign in recent days, with air raid sirens sounding repeatedly across Kyiv and explosions and the rumble of air defenses punctuating the city throughout the day. — Samya Kullab, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026 The explosions provide different interruptions, punctuating the moment as one of Keeley’s ideas plays out in real time. — Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 26 Aug. 2026 Cabins open to terraces overlooking the surrounding pines and exude a Wes Anderson summer camp vibe, with touches of industrial-style metal punctuating the wooden facades. — Lane Nieset, Travel + Leisure, 19 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for punctuating
  1. emphasizing
  2. highlighting
  3. stressing
  4. featuring
Verb
  • Geoff warns Ilya to moderate his projections, emphasizing the need for safeguards, but the idealistic Russian is swept up in the vast potential of AI — to solve the climate crisis, cure cancer, even save humanity from itself.
    — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Meanwhile, a strappy sandal style was elevated by the sculptural wedge heel, emphasizing the comeback of the historic footwear style which has most recently gained steam as part of the ’90s and aughts fashion nostalgia wave.
    — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of emphasizing
Verb
  • The Sun in your 6th House opposes Saturn in your private 12th, highlighting the tension between productivity and the need for real rest.
    — Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Being about music, arts and highlighting people, that’s a blessing.
    — Kailyn Brown, Los Angeles Times, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of highlighting
Verb
  • The dynamic is stressing household budgets at a time when they’re already strained by broader affordability issues, a key issue in the upcoming midterm elections.
    — Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 2 Oct. 2026
  • At China’s signature AI conference in July, Xi called for greater openness and collaboration in AI, while stressing the need for regulation to keep it under human control.
    — John Liu, CNN Money, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of stressing
Verb
  • Airy styles were trending during the latest edition of Paris Fashion Week, featuring the likes of Zendaya and Jennifer Lawrence, among others, opting for delicate fabrics, designs and soft colorways.
    — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2026
  • On view are copies of a mass-market 1977 book featuring the Renaissance master’s anatomical drawings; Basquiat owned a copy, a fount of inspiration for him.
    — Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of featuring

Browse Nearby Words

punctuates
punctuating
puncture
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Cite this Entry

“Punctuating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/punctuating. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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