Did you know?
When you accentuate something you put an “accent,” or emphasis, on it. There’s no need to stress out if you don’t know the word’s history, though; its journey into the English language was very straightforward. It comes from Latin accentus, meaning “accent” (which itself comes in part from cantus, meaning “song”), and since the early 18th century, its meanings haven’t changed much. The word was initially used as a synonym of the verb accent to mean “to pronounce with greater stress or force,” which is a small leap from today’s meaning of “to make something more noticeable; to emphasize.” One excellent way to remember not only how to pronounce accentuate but also its etymological connection to song is the classic (and helpfully titled) tune “Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive,” by Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer, which has been performed by such luminaries as Dinah Washington, Sam Cooke, and Bing Crosby and the Andrews Sisters.
Examples of accentuate in a Sentence
Lily Wohlner, Allure, 10 Oct. 2025
With Lopez and Antetokounmpo serving as the backbone of the defense in Portis’ first five seasons in Milwaukee, the Bucks often leaned into a defensive scheme that accentuated their strengths.
—Eric Nehm, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025
As for her glam, makeup artist Debra Ferullo accentuated Hudson’s eyebrows, applied a glossy lip and lined the actress’ eyes.
—Julia Teti, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2025
The outdoor pumpkin decorations accentuate this simple DIY wreath built from refreshing eucalyptus and threaded with berries and mini pine cones.
—Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Oct. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Accentuate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/accentuate. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.
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accentuate
verb
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