1
as in focus
a special notice or importance given to something
a prep school with a long-established emphasis on sports
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in intensity
the quality or state of being forceful (as in expression)
the emphasis with which my parents issued the warning about smoking left no doubt that they were serious
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 emphasis
In today’s context, a 1996 film that brings down a dangerous ring of child predators feels ahead of its time, but during its release, there was more emphasis on poking holes in Carcaterra’s claim that Sleepers is based on his own true life story.
—
Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 25 Apr. 2026
The company has gone from an emphasis on external changes to shape and color, to one on internal ramps of capability and efficiency.
—Kai Nicol-Schwarz, CNBC, 24 Apr. 2026
This outlook is based on themes from Bill Jones' Big Green NFL Draft Scouting Notebook, which highlights the Cowboys' emphasis on intelligence, versatility, and maturity on defense, as well as their need to add more top‑100 picks to address multiple roster holes.
—Bill Jones, CBS News, 24 Apr. 2026
Although students have always dreamed big, Blank told me that Stanford has changed in recent years, placing more and more emphasis on the young founders who may kick back some of their future billions to the university.
—Theo Baker, The Atlantic, 24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for emphasis
Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 25 Apr. 2026
The company has gone from an emphasis on external changes to shape and color, to one on internal ramps of capability and efficiency.
—Kai Nicol-Schwarz, CNBC, 24 Apr. 2026
This outlook is based on themes from Bill Jones' Big Green NFL Draft Scouting Notebook, which highlights the Cowboys' emphasis on intelligence, versatility, and maturity on defense, as well as their need to add more top‑100 picks to address multiple roster holes.
—Bill Jones, CBS News, 24 Apr. 2026
Although students have always dreamed big, Blank told me that Stanford has changed in recent years, placing more and more emphasis on the young founders who may kick back some of their future billions to the university.
—Theo Baker, The Atlantic, 24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for emphasis
Recent Examples of Synonyms for emphasis
Noun
-
Geopolitics aside, central bank meetings are a key focus as the Federal Reserve, European Central Bank and peers in Japan, the UK and Canada are all scheduled to decide on policy.—
Ashutosh Joshi,
Bloomberg,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Getting Point and Kucherov going There’s been a lot of focus on Montreal’s top line and its offensive struggles at five-on-five in this series.—
Arpon Basu,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Here, the trio sharpens its focus, marrying clever production with the soul-eating intensity that propelled its rise.—
Dean Van Nguyen,
Pitchfork,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Classic shades such as oxblood and rust provide an intensity that doesn’t overpower when used in head-to-toe looks, while statured reds add energy.—
Angela Velasquez,
Footwear News,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Lewkowitz described the biological struggle of the cotton plant, noting that the finest fibers are often the result of the plant evolving to survive stress.—
Arthur Zaczkiewicz,
Footwear News,
27 Apr. 2026
-
It's made with a supportive insole that can help remove stress from the joint at your big toe, hopefully improving or preventing bunion pain.—
Jasmine Gomez,
Travel + Leisure,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
While both weight and waist circumference can indicate health, waist circumference is more accurate.—
Cory Martin,
Verywell Health,
29 Apr. 2026
-
There’s a workout area that’s partially open to the elements with weights, a trampoline, rowing machine and stretch bands, but a treadmill and other cardio equipment would be a good addition for runners.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
29 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Some Trump-boosting podcasters and influencers cheered the FCC’s aggressiveness on Tuesday.—
Brian Stelter,
CNN Money,
29 Apr. 2026
-
Not long into his second term, Bush sat uncomfortably as Stephen Colbert, then a Comedy Central host, hammered him with an aggressiveness unusual for the dinner.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Companies are required, under threat of criminal penalties, to bring new information to the government’s attention.—
Maureen Groppe,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Lawyers who represent Silicon Valley’s biggest AI firms are paying attention.—
Matteo Wong,
The Atlantic,
27 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Emphasis.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/emphasis. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
