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
Chefs have been making fusion pizza since at least the 1950s, although the emphasis was usually on toppings.
—
Luke Fortney, Bon Appétit, 20 Feb. 2025
Griffith says for everyone's sake there should be more emphasis nationally on the many factors that affect men's physical and mental health, and a focus on what can be done to improve health outcomes.
—Ashley Milne-Tyte, NPR, 19 Feb. 2025
The emphasis is on creating dishes that narrate the intersection of Peruvian and Japanese cuisines in a way that advances the city’s status as a culinary destination.
—WWD, 18 Feb. 2025
But teams can’t win without strong lines on both sides of the ball, so building the trenches needs to be a constant emphasis.
—Dan Duggan, The Athletic, 18 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for emphasis
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Luke Fortney, Bon Appétit, 20 Feb. 2025
Griffith says for everyone's sake there should be more emphasis nationally on the many factors that affect men's physical and mental health, and a focus on what can be done to improve health outcomes.
—Ashley Milne-Tyte, NPR, 19 Feb. 2025
The emphasis is on creating dishes that narrate the intersection of Peruvian and Japanese cuisines in a way that advances the city’s status as a culinary destination.
—WWD, 18 Feb. 2025
But teams can’t win without strong lines on both sides of the ball, so building the trenches needs to be a constant emphasis.
—Dan Duggan, The Athletic, 18 Feb. 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 1 Mar. 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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