ACCENTUATE Synonyms: 85 Similar and Opposite Words

accentuate

verb

ik-ˈsen(t)-shə-ˌwāt

Definition of accentuate

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

as in to enhance

to make markedly greater in measure or degree the foul weather merely accentuated my feelings of depression

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Example 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 The right trees can accentuate the look of your home’s curb appeal or draw in birds and other wildlife with edible berries or safe shelter for nests. — Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 23 Aug. 2026 Some of our favorite barrel leg pants actually accentuate the balloon silhouette or taper of the leg by adding darts, extra side panels, pleats, patches, or other elements that highlight the aesthetic element. — Lucía Tejo, Glamour, 22 Aug. 2026 The anticipation is accentuated by how little is known about the project, including the opening timeframe which hasn't been officially disclosed since the park was announced in May last year. — Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026 Pecko’s arrival Tuesday afternoon accentuated how far Imai has fallen in the team’s pitching hierarchy. — Chandler Rome, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for accentuate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for accentuate

Verb

At a high level of abstraction, some scholars emphasize the multiplicity itself as a key aspect of Hinduism.

— Charles Preston, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026
Since Tiffany’s attacks began, Crowley has moved in Hong’s general direction, emphasizing his requirements—using exclusively renewable energy to power new data centers, building them with union labor—for developers to receive the tax breaks.

— Dan Kaufman, New Yorker, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of emphasize

Verb

Our philosophy has always been to remain thoughtful, ensuring every addition feels intentional and enhances the overall guest experience.

— Jillian Dara, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026
These sleek sneakers are made with layers of contoured cushioning to mold to your feet, a rubber sole with traction to stabilize, and two different lace options to customize your look and enhance comfort.

— Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of enhance

Verb

The look also pulls from indie sleaze, which Trendalytics reports is up 80% in social buzz, reinforcing the messy, early-2000s finish that defines the trend.

— Ashley Lynch, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026
Both formulas pair moisture-drawing glycerin with pea peptide and a trio of ceramides to condition and reinforce dry, stressed hair.

— Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of reinforce

Verb

In a statement posted on social media, Obama highlighted Parton’s humble roots, colossal impact in music and Hollywood, and her philanthropic work.

— Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 26 Aug. 2026
The Property Masters Guild aims to highlight and elevate the craft of the Property Master by raising awareness, fostering collaboration among craft artisans, educating its members and inspiring future generations of Property Masters.

— Isabelle Farina, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of highlight

Verb

Concerns intensified earlier this month when a 30-year Treasury auction drew weaker demand than the prior month, despite elevated yields.

— Anniek Bao, CNBC, 25 Aug. 2026
Netanyahu and Erdogan have a long-running public feud, which intensified dramatically during the wars in Gaza, Lebanon and Iran.

— Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of intensify

Verb

Delaying a medical appointment is a common response to feeling stressed about what’s going on with your body, according to a 2021 study on health care avoidance.

— Glamour, Glamour, 24 Aug. 2026
Peregrino stressed the high production value of the pic, lensed in Alter do Chão, in the Amazon region, along the Tapajós River.

— Marcelo Cajueiro, Variety, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of stress

Verb

So much for the first-team offense — with quarterback Caleb Williams getting a brief cameo — delivering a feel-good touchdown drive to heighten the summer energy.

— Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Seattle comforts you with its natural beauty, quieting your mind and heightening your senses.

— Giovanna Caravetta, Travel + Leisure, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of heighten

Verb

One of the most powerful figures in Iran has said that the US campaign of maximum economic pressure will fail — in a further sign that Iran’s hardline leadership is unwilling to compromise despite a deepening economic crisis.

— Tim Lister, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026
Since then, my curiosity about this particular repertory blind spot of mine has deepened to an extent.

— Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of deepen

Browse Nearby Words

accents

accentuate

accentuated

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Style

“Accentuate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/accentuate. Accessed 30 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of accentuate

verb

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