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
Hatfield’s tenure at Nike has long had an emphasis on accessible footwear, with notable innovations such as EasyOn and HyperBoot on his resumé.
—
Riley Jones, Footwear News, 31 Dec. 2025
Room decor is contemporary, with an emphasis on clean lines and natural materials that include wood and stone.
—Kristin Braswell, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Dec. 2025
Barrios said the proposal, which could change before it’s finalized, now calls for new revenue to be divided up with a heavy emphasis on stormwater and water infrastructure.
—David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Dec. 2025
The TriFold’s back has both a camera bump and three lenses that protrude further out, undermining the broader emphasis on thinness.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 30 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for emphasis
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Riley Jones, Footwear News, 31 Dec. 2025
Room decor is contemporary, with an emphasis on clean lines and natural materials that include wood and stone.
—Kristin Braswell, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Dec. 2025
Barrios said the proposal, which could change before it’s finalized, now calls for new revenue to be divided up with a heavy emphasis on stormwater and water infrastructure.
—David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Dec. 2025
The TriFold’s back has both a camera bump and three lenses that protrude further out, undermining the broader emphasis on thinness.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 30 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for emphasis
Cite this Entry
“Emphasis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/emphasis. Accessed 2 Jan. 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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