underscore

1 of 2

verb

un·​der·​score ˈən-dər-ˌskȯr How to pronounce underscore (audio)
underscored; underscoring; underscores
Synonyms of underscorenext

transitive verb

1
: to draw a line under : underline
2
: to make evident : emphasize, stress
arrived early to underscore the importance of the occasion
3
: to provide (action on film) with accompanying music

underscore

2 of 2

noun

1
: a line drawn under a word or line especially for emphasis or to indicate intent to italicize
2
: music accompanying the action and dialogue of a film

Examples of underscore in a Sentence

Verb These failures underscore the difficulty of what we're attempting to do. The President's visit underscores the administration's commitment to free trade. She underscored the most important points.
Recent Examples on the Web
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Verb
Scott Palmer, one of the attorneys representing Denise, underscored the fact that Djena wasn’t kept in the house against her will, or prevented from using the internet. Yudhijit Bhattacharjee, New Yorker, 18 May 2026 This data underscores how DEI, which was originally created to comply with Civil Rights legislation and ensure that all employees, regardless of their background, were treated equally, can be an impactful way to ensure employees are treated fairly. Janice Gassam Asare, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026
Noun
Artworks from the museum’s permanent collection underscore water’s role as a potent cultural force. Washington Post Staff, Washington Post, 15 May 2026 Cases like this underscore why Texas still enforces the death penalty, despite ongoing controversy. Nicole Russell, USA Today, 7 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for underscore

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1770, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1901, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of underscore was in 1770

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Underscore.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underscore. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

underscore

verb
un·​der·​score
ˈən-dər-ˌskō(ə)r
-ˌskȯ(ə)r
1
: to draw a line under : underline
2
underscore noun

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