emphasis
noun
em·pha·sis
ˈem(p)-fə-səs 
plural emphases
ˈem(p)-fə-ˌsēz
1
a
: force or intensity of expression that gives impressiveness or importance to something
b
: a particular prominence given in reading or speaking to one or more words or syllables
2
: special consideration of or stress or insistence on something
Examples of emphasis in a Sentence
Our candidate's plan has a different emphasis.
a prep school with a long-established emphasis on sports
Recent Examples on the Web
Indeed, in Fennell’s movie, Heathcliff’s race is not explicitly stated, and his otherness seems to center more around class, with emphasis placed on the fact that he was found on the streets of Liverpool and isn’t able to read or write.
—
Ellise Shafer, Variety, 13 Feb. 2026
That’s because athletes in weight-sensitive sports experience far more emphasis and demand on having a thin and muscular body, which often involves weight monitoring as part of their training or competition.
—Emily Hemendinger, The Conversation, 13 Feb. 2026
Many nutrition experts across the aisle praised the emphasis on eating whole foods, but some found other messaging misguided.
—Sara Moniuszko, USA Today, 13 Feb. 2026
That emphasis on curation and control differentiates ReSee from peer-to-peer marketplaces, where delivery and quality can be less predictable.
—Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for emphasis
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Ellise Shafer, Variety, 13 Feb. 2026
That’s because athletes in weight-sensitive sports experience far more emphasis and demand on having a thin and muscular body, which often involves weight monitoring as part of their training or competition.
—Emily Hemendinger, The Conversation, 13 Feb. 2026
Many nutrition experts across the aisle praised the emphasis on eating whole foods, but some found other messaging misguided.
—Sara Moniuszko, USA Today, 13 Feb. 2026
That emphasis on curation and control differentiates ReSee from peer-to-peer marketplaces, where delivery and quality can be less predictable.
—Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for emphasis
Cite this Entry
“Emphasis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/emphasis. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
emphasis
noun
em·pha·sis
ˈem(p)-fə-səs
plural emphases
-fə-ˌsēz
1
a
: forcefulness of expression
spoke with emphasis
b
: the act or fact of giving stress to a word or syllable when speaking
2
: special attention or importance given to something
put great emphasis on cleanliness
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