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 enhance
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of accentuate
Adding Imai only accentuates how competitive spring training will be for the final rotation spots behind him and Hunter Brown.
—
Chandler Rome, New York Times, 2 Jan. 2026
The lamps also accentuated the covert connection with the Berlin exhibition, because the Löwenbrücke is very close to the Gaslaternen-Freilichtmuseum, an open-air display of streetlamps in the Tiergarten.
—Javier Montes, Artforum, 1 Jan. 2026
The ruched waist, accentuated with gold hardware, creates a flattering silhouette, too.
—Gabriela Izquierdo, Southern Living, 1 Jan. 2026
The star accentuated her features with her signature smoky brown eyeshadow, deep mauve matte lipstick, and bold brows.
—Lara Walsh, InStyle, 31 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for accentuate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for accentuate
Verb
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Anne Arundel County police said their investigation into the incident is ongoing and emphasized that its officers do not enforce immigration law or conduct ICE operations.—
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Researchers emphasize that the full scope of the outbreak among elephant seals may be far greater than current numbers suggest.—
Verb
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The fabric’s four-way stretch is slightly cinched at the waist to enhance your curves, while the A-line silhouette is still relaxed enough for cozy winter outfits.—
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The best ski attire has the power to influence and enhance your performance.—
Verb
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The word edgy is often mistakenly applied to comedians whose work just reinforces conventional opinions and prejudices with extra swear words.—
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January has just begun, and Moore is already reinforcing her icon status.—
Verb
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Professor Alan Woodward, a security expert at the University of Surrey, highlighted the technical feasibility of espionage given the physical layout, The Telegraph reported.—
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Several top destinations in the Philippines are highlighted in the clip, including Bohol, Boracay, Malcapuya Island in Palawan, Pangasinan and Albay.—
Verb
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For immigration advocates in the Bay Area, Good’s death has intensified long-standing concerns about intimidation and retaliation against those who monitor federal agents.—
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The chaos intensified after someone threw a snowball.—
Verb
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Rising temperatures increase evaporation, further stressing a watershed already under pressure from growth and development.—
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Researchers stress this is only an association, and the benefit may reflect overall diet patterns rather than cheese itself.—
Verb
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The production needs to heighten the speeches, not distract from them, and showrunners Glenn Weiss and Ricky Kirshner struggled to make the Globes stand-out from the months-long parade of awards shows.—
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Rare-earth deposits are also frequently found alongside radioactive uranium, heightening environmental and political sensitivities as Greenland seeks to grow its tourism industry.—
Verb
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Grappling hooks, 30-foot ladder The Sigourney Street tower’s decline began deepening in 2024 with the proliferation of graffiti and tagging, much of which was later removed from the brick exterior.—
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Tensions between China and Japan are deepening as a diplomatic row over Taiwan morphs into an urgent economic conflict.—
Cite this Entry
“Accentuate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/accentuate. Accessed 19 Jan. 2026.
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