1
as in to emphasize
to indicate the importance of by centering attention on
let's accentuate the saxophones during this piece by having the sax players stand up
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to enhance
to make markedly greater in measure or degree
the foul weather merely accentuated my feelings of depression
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to reinforce
to make more apparent
unfortunately, the new bedspread just accentuates the dinginess of the curtains behind the bed
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of accentuate
Two aspects can accentuate what Crooks does best — a medium pace and floor space.
—
Chantel Jennings, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2026
The number, which was the Verona dress by Lily Phellera, was designed to show some skin with its daring open back (that scooped low enough to accentuate her curves) and ab-baring cutouts.
—Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 27 Apr. 2026
Suspecting that the bumbling local policeman, Officer Tim Derry (Nicholas Braun, accentuating the goofiness), is wrong in his conclusion that George simply died of a heart attack, Lily rallies her fellow sheep to help solve the murder.
—Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 27 Apr. 2026
Another idea is to select a secondary color from the pattern and utilize your hat to accentuate that hue.
—Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 26 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for accentuate
Chantel Jennings, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2026
The number, which was the Verona dress by Lily Phellera, was designed to show some skin with its daring open back (that scooped low enough to accentuate her curves) and ab-baring cutouts.
—Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 27 Apr. 2026
Suspecting that the bumbling local policeman, Officer Tim Derry (Nicholas Braun, accentuating the goofiness), is wrong in his conclusion that George simply died of a heart attack, Lily rallies her fellow sheep to help solve the murder.
—Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 27 Apr. 2026
Another idea is to select a secondary color from the pattern and utilize your hat to accentuate that hue.
—Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 26 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for accentuate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for accentuate
Verb
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The budget emphasizes that HUD funding is insufficient to meet rental assistance obligations.—
Michael Smolens,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Apr. 2026
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Patients should see a medical provider for a thorough exam and bloodwork before starting the drugs, the doctor emphasized.—
Melissa Rudy,
FOXNews.com,
26 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The verdict As if its beautiful beaches and stunning lagoon aren’t enough to lull you into a sense of deep relaxation, Joali Being will stop at nothing to enhance your sense of wellbeing.—
Ann Lee,
TheWeek,
30 Apr. 2026
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Now Union Pacific has to demonstrate that this deal will enhance competition.—
Josh Funk,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
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That grip is reinforced by a litany of electronic nannies, all of which translate to an assuring sense of control and eagerness to discover more of the Valhalla’s powerfully balletic nature.—
Viju Mathew,
Robb Report,
25 Apr. 2026
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The measures were reinforced over the past 24 hours on the city’s outskirts with additional forces stationed along key airport access routes.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Nonetheless, Gutekunst highlighted McClellan’s size, length (33 7/8-inch arms), versatility across the line and pass-rushing ability as reasons the Packers distinguished him from other available defensive tackles.—
Matt Schneidman,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
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Jacas specifically highlighted the players’ buy-in and how the staff challenged him physically and mentally during his time in the facility.—
Andrew Callahan,
Boston Herald,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The shooting has also intensified calls by conservatives to fully fund DHS through a single bill — blaming Democrats for the shutdown and arguing that splitting apart ICE and Border Patrol funding will only give the minority party leverage.—
Mike Lillis,
The Hill,
28 Apr. 2026
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Instead, the slight thaw suggests a more modest agenda that the countries should now pursue, one that acknowledges that tensions between them over fundamental issues — trade, technology, global status — are more likely to intensify than abate.—
Andy Browne,
semafor.com,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
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While the early results are promising, Zhou stressed that the technology is still in its infancy and faces significant scalability challenges.—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
26 Apr. 2026
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The same instinct shows up in the lifestyle creator influencer accent, characterized by uptalk and the lengthening and extra stressing on words.—
Rachel Hale,
USA Today,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
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When used correctly, that power can be harnessed for good, heightening the citrus fruit’s bright, piercing notes to soaring new heights.—
Jesse Szewczyk,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
1 May 2026
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Playoffs are heightened, and everything’s emotional to begin with.—
Fluto Shinzawa,
New York Times,
1 May 2026
Verb
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His work deepened and developed under the responsiveness of the academy and a larger and not-yet-balkanized reading public.—
Nick Laird,
The New York Review of Books,
25 Apr. 2026
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With worker shortages deepening across the region, governments are running out of time.—
Catherine Thorbecke,
Twin Cities,
25 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Accentuate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/accentuate. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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