punctuate

verb

ˈpəŋk-chə-ˌwāt How to pronounce punctuate (audio)
Definition of punctuatenext
as in to emphasize
to indicate the importance of by centering attention on punctuated each and every word of his denial with a pound of his fist on the table

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 punctuate The tragic and avoidable death of 18-year-old Romanch Mahajan, who was thrown from a runaway carriage, punctuates the urgent need for reform. — Wayne Pacelle, New York Daily News, 13 Aug. 2026 But his profound reflections are punctuated by superb slapstick, slyly symbolic sleight-of-hand and, yes, some serious Shakespeare that make for an equally entertaining and thought-provoking hour. — Jared Kaufman, Twin Cities, 13 Aug. 2026 The psychedelic sequence that follows, punctuated by three European henchmen tailing the girls in a black SUV, is funny enough. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 12 Aug. 2026 Meals are punctuated by the heavy thwack of Soto’s butcher knife chopping the meats against a large block of Sinaloan alamo wood, while music and TVs complete the din. — Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for punctuate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for punctuate
  1. emphasize
  2. highlight
  3. stress
  4. feature
Verb
  • Experts in public health and pregnancy care emphasize that the benefits that the Covid-19 vaccine offers pregnant moms — and their babies — significantly outweigh any risk.
    — Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Friar emphasized revenue growth and said that the company is adjusting to a change in customer behavior.
    — Kate Rooney, CNBC, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of emphasize
Verb
  • The Moon enters Sagittarius and your 3rd House of Communication, highlighting calls, messages, errands, siblings, neighbors, and daily logistics.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Dining options all take advantage of the indoor-outdoor living the island thrives on, and are framed by beautiful views highlighting the craggy stretch of coast Domes sits on.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of highlight
Verb
  • On Sunday, Beshear stressed that McConnell must do more to assure Kentuckians of his ability to carry out the role as senator.
    — Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Turkey has stressed that the agreement is defensive and does not identify Iran or any other country as an enemy.
    — Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of stress
Verb
  • The sprawling, lushly landscaped grounds feature a large main pool as well as a separate, quieter adults-only pool, all overlooking the ocean.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Denver Fire Department The building was constructed in 1921 and features two dance floors and a 4,000-square-foot main ballroom.
    — Christa Swanson, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of feature

Browse Nearby Words

punctually
punctuate
punctuated
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Cite this Entry

“Punctuate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/punctuate. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on punctuate

Nglish: Translation of punctuate for Spanish Speakers

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