1
as in to emphasize
to indicate the importance of by centering attention on
let's accentuate the saxophones during this piece by having the sax players stand up
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to intensify
to make markedly greater in measure or degree
the foul weather merely accentuated my feelings of depression
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to reinforce
to make more apparent
unfortunately, the new bedspread just accentuates the dinginess of the curtains behind the bed
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Examples Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of accentuate
Add bright colors to accentuate the playful mood of the room.
—
Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Oct. 2024
Their hairstyling prowess brought the designer’s campaign to life with intricate up-dos to accentuate the complexities of the top
But the world of hair always spoke to Oye’s soul long before becoming a brand founder.
—Kerane Marcellus, Essence, 31 Oct. 2024
Sharing a photo of herself on the red carpet, Breeds wore a tight pink dress that accentuated her bump, posing with her hand on top of her belly.
—Hannah Sacks, People.com, 5 Nov. 2024
Even with that sense of realistic volume and weight, the animation is still abound with more exaggerated poses, all the better to accentuate the cast’s awkward antics.
—Kambole Campbell, IndieWire, 30 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for accentuate 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for accentuate
Verb
-
If someone yells in a video, like a sports commentator when someone scores a touchdown, the captions will now display in all-caps to emphasize that excitement.Julian Chokkattu, WIRED, 5 Dec. 2024
-
Despite the awe inspired by the footage, experts emphasize the importance of understanding the complexities of brumation to ensure the safety and health of turtles.Jason Fields, Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
Bombardments have intensified in recent months, leaving Ukraine in a precarious position as the war grinds into its third winter.Svitlana Vlasova, CNN, 28 Nov. 2024
-
During sports competitions that involve intense physical activity, such as soccer, players can experience significant thermoregulatory strain, which may be further intensified by the thermal environment, Lindner-Cendrowska said.Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 28 Nov. 2024
Verb
-
Fear is reinforced when workplace cultures focus too much on outcomes or perfection.Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes, 1 Dec. 2024
-
From news coverage glorifying doorbuster deals to holiday movies romanticizing the act of gift-giving, media narratives often reinforce the idea that consumption equals joy.Dr. Mara Einstein, Deadline, 29 Nov. 2024
Verb
-
The lawsuit, initially lodged in October 2024, highlights how NASCAR allegedly maintains a monopoly over the top-tier stock car racing series in the United States, a violation of the Sherman Antitrust Act.Dan Perry, Newsweek, 27 Nov. 2024
-
Don’t leave it to chance—highlight your successes and provide specific examples.Mark Murphy, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024
Verb
-
But teams’ social media posts are also typically used to enhance marketing and generate fan interest, which are purposes that could cut against a fair use defense.Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 7 Dec. 2024
-
Like the Wynn, the World Poker Tour’s goal is to enhance the player experience.Jay Ginsbach, Forbes, 7 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
To stress the point, Trainor then looked at the camera and attempted her toothiest grin.Sam Reed, Glamour, 2 Dec. 2024
-
Ahluwalia, a physician and professor of medicine, stressed that governments should restrict underage access to such products, particularly unregulated products predominantly made in China.David Ovalle and Rachel Roubein The Washington Post, arkansasonline.com, 2 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
Tensions are further heightened by China's assertive posture toward Taiwan and neighboring nations in the South China Sea, as well as Beijing's support for Russia's military-industrial complex.Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 27 Nov. 2024
-
Tensions heightened last weekend as the countries' leaders worked to negotiate a ceasefire deal.Jordana Miller, ABC News, 26 Nov. 2024
Verb
-
In 2018, Ruffini launched Moncler Genius, which aimed to deepen the brand’s cultural relevance in the digital era, via pioneering collaborations with British talents such as Craig Green, Jonathan Anderson, Richard Quinn and Simone Rocha.Tianwei Zhang, WWD, 2 Dec. 2024
-
Picture a family gathering that deepens relationships—father to daughter and wife to husband.Bill Schiffmiller, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near accentuate
Cite this Entry
“Accentuate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/accentuate. Accessed 12 Dec. 2024.
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share