underline

verb

ˈən-dər-ˌlīn How to pronounce underline (audio)
Definition of underlinenext
as in to emphasize
to indicate the importance of by giving prominent display the dean's speech underlined some of the impressive accomplishments racked up by members of the graduation class

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 underline To underline their appeal, the aglets—the tips of the drawstrings—are forged from solid silver. — Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 9 Aug. 2026 Justice Elena Kagan’s dissent underlined the decision’s gift to candidates. — Gerald Scorse, New York Daily News, 7 Aug. 2026 Her texts are unpunctuated, uppercase, underlined for further emphasis. — Literary Hub, 5 Aug. 2026 The dynamic underlines just how intertwined these AI companies are with Big Tech. — Kate Rooney, CNBC, 3 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for underline
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underline
  1. emphasize
  2. reinforce
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 buffers that have minimized the disruption so far will hold for only so long and must be reinforced if the world is to endure future shocks.
    — Jason Bordoff, Foreign Affairs, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Human-scale FloatForms will require reinforced and even mechanically interlocked latches as well as GPS or visual sensing.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of reinforce

Browse Nearby Words

underlies
underline
underlined
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Underline.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underline. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on underline

Nglish: Translation of underline for Spanish Speakers

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