1
: an effort in speech to stress one syllable over adjacent syllables
also
: the stress thus given a syllable
a word with the accent on the second syllable
2
: a distinctive manner of expression: such as
a
: a way of speaking typical of a particular group of people and especially of the natives or residents of a region
spoke with a Russian accent
b
: an individual's distinctive or characteristic inflection, tone, or choice of words
—usually used in plural
3
: rhythmically significant stress on the syllables of a verse usually at regular intervals
4
a
: a mark (such as ´, `, ˆ) used in writing or printing to indicate a specific sound value, stress, or pitch, to distinguish words otherwise identically spelled, or to indicate that an ordinarily mute vowel should be pronounced
b
: an accented letter
5
6
a
: emphasis laid on a part of an artistic design or composition
b
: an emphasized detail or area
especially
: a small detail in sharp contrast with its surroundings
c
: a substance or object used for emphasis
a plant used as a decorative accent
7
: a mark placed to the right of a letter or number and usually slightly above it: such as
a
: a double prime
b
: prime
8
: special concern or attention : emphasis
an accent on youth
9
archaic
: utterance entry 1
accented; accenting; accents
1
: to give special attention or prominence to (something)
TV shows that accent youth
: to make (something) more emphatic, noticeable, or distinct
columns that accent the vertical lines of the building
2
a
: to pronounce (part of a word) with greater stress or force : stress
Accent the second syllable of the word "before."
b
: to mark with a written or printed accent
Synonyms
Examples of accent in a Sentence
Noun
Regional accents are common in the U.S.
She spoke with an American accent.
The tourist had a foreign accent.
He has a heavy southern accent.
The word “before” has the accent on the last syllable.
Put the accent on the first syllable of the word.
The accents in the French word “émigré” show how the letter “e” should be pronounced.
Verb
the town's promotional literature accents its vital role in American history
Recent Examples on the Web
Meredith Blake, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2024
Thomas suggests real or preserved greenery, like juniper, for wreaths, garlands, and small accents around the home.
—Halee Miller Van Ryswyk, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Nov. 2024
Martino Carrera, WWD, 4 Nov. 2024
One of these was an example of the 911 Targa presented in collaboration with Polaroid and featuring the latter brand’s rainbow logo as bands accenting the car, which was displayed at a photography exhibition in 1976.
—Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 7 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for accent 
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Noun
Most of all, the cast this season is superb, with an incredible level of talent, memorable personalities and delightful accents.
—Meredith Blake, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2024
Thomas suggests real or preserved greenery, like juniper, for wreaths, garlands, and small accents around the home.
—Halee Miller Van Ryswyk, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Nov. 2024
Verb
Wooseok attended the Prada men’s spring 2025 show in Milan last June, donning a dark look composed of tailored pants and a thick woolen knit, accented by a white leather belt with a tone-on-tone buckle placed on the side, a white shirt and tie.
—Martino Carrera, WWD, 4 Nov. 2024
One of these was an example of the 911 Targa presented in collaboration with Polaroid and featuring the latter brand’s rainbow logo as bands accenting the car, which was displayed at a photography exhibition in 1976.
—Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 7 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for accent
Articles Related to accent
Dictionary Entries Near accent
Cite this Entry
“Accent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/accent. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
accent
1 of 2 noun
ac·cent
ˈak-ˌsent 
1
: a way of talking shared by a group (as the people of a country)
2
: greater stress or force given to a syllable of a word in speaking
before has the accent on the last syllable
3
: a mark (as ´, `, or ˆ accents) identifying a syllable that is stressed in speaking
4
: greater stress given to a beat in music
5
: an emphasized detail used for contrast
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