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
Training the Next Generation A key factor behind Hungary’s creative breadth is the country’s strong emphasis on education.
—
Jamie Lang, Variety, 8 June 2025
Also, the emphasis on short maturities limits price volatility related to interest rates.
—Catherine Brock, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025
Degree programs in entertainment design, illustration and graphic design with a motion design emphasis prime students to work in visual development, directing, art direction, title sequences and more.
—Abbey White, HollywoodReporter, 6 June 2025
In warmer months, the emphasis shifts to mountain biking, horseback riding, hiking, and fly-fishing on private waters.
—Bailey Berg, AFAR Media, 6 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for emphasis
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Jamie Lang, Variety, 8 June 2025
Also, the emphasis on short maturities limits price volatility related to interest rates.
—Catherine Brock, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025
Degree programs in entertainment design, illustration and graphic design with a motion design emphasis prime students to work in visual development, directing, art direction, title sequences and more.
—Abbey White, HollywoodReporter, 6 June 2025
In warmer months, the emphasis shifts to mountain biking, horseback riding, hiking, and fly-fishing on private waters.
—Bailey Berg, AFAR Media, 6 June 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 11 Jun. 2025.
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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