Another Word for Emphasize: 11 Synonyms with Examples
To emphasize (British spelling: emphasise) is to give special importance to something. Alternatives vary in how forceful the emphasis is and whether it is spoken or written.
As a verb: give special importance to
- stress
- highlight
- underline
- underscore
- accentuate
- foreground
- point up
As a verb: insist on
- insist
- press
- dwell on
- draw attention to
Need a different word?Look up any word in the synonym finder →
How they differ
Synonyms share a meaning, not always a tone. Here is when to pick each of the main options.
- stress
- Very close in meaning; common in speech and writing.
- highlight
- Draws attention to something so people notice it.
- underline
- Shows clearly that something is important or true.
- underscore
- Formal; strongly reinforces the importance of something.
- accentuate
- Makes a feature more noticeable, often visually.
- draw attention to
- Makes people notice something they might miss.
Example sentences
- stress: The doctor stressed the need to finish the course of tablets.
- highlight: The report highlights three areas for improvement.
- underline: The flood underlined the need for better drainage.
- underscore: These results underscore the value of early intervention.
- accentuate: The dark frame accentuates the colours in the painting.
- draw attention to: Her article drew attention to the shortage of rural dentists.
Opposite of emphasize
- play down
- understate
- downplay
- minimise
More from WordNet
Less common or more specialised words WordNet lists for other senses of “emphasize”. Check the meaning before you use one.
verb: punctuate, accent
WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Used under the WordNet licence.
Frequently asked questions
What is another word for “emphasize”?
The most useful alternatives are “stress”, “highlight”, “underline”, “underscore”, “accentuate”. For the main sense (give special importance to), “stress” is usually the closest swap.
What is the difference between “stress” and “highlight”?
stress: Very close in meaning; common in speech and writing. highlight: Draws attention to something so people notice it.
What is the opposite of “emphasize”?
Common antonyms are “play down”, “understate”, “downplay”, “minimise”.