Punctuate — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /ˈpəŋk-chə-ˌwāt/ punc·tu·ate

Meaning & Definition of Punctuate

Punctuate (verb)

  1. to mark or divide (written matter) with punctuation marks
  2. to break into or interrupt at intervals
  3. accentuate, emphasize

Punctuate (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. 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"

    similar: accent, accentuate, emphasize, feature, foreground, highlight, illuminate, play up, point (up), press, stress, bear down on, make much of
    related: focus, identify, pinpoint, spotlight, advertise, boost, plug, promote, publicize, overplay
    opposite: de-emphasize, play down
    near: tone (down), underemphasize, understate, belittle, discount, disparage, minimize

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Punctuate

The most common words with a similar meaning to Punctuate:

accent, accentuate, emphasize, feature, foreground, highlight, illuminate, play up, point (up), press, stress, bear down on, make much of

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Punctuate

Words with the opposite meaning of Punctuate:

de-emphasize, play down

Related Words for Punctuate

focus, identify, pinpoint, spotlight, advertise, boost, plug, promote, publicize, overplay

Near Antonyms of Punctuate

tone (down), underemphasize, understate, belittle, discount, disparage, minimize

Word Forms of Punctuate

Inflections: punctuated, punctuating

Derived words: punctuator (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Punctuate

Medieval Latin punctuatus, past participle of punctuare to point, provide with punctuation marks, from Latin punctus point

First known use: circa 1766t

Frequently Asked Questions about Punctuate

What does "Punctuate" mean?

"Punctuate" means to mark or divide (written matter) with punctuation marks. As a verb, it is defined as: to mark or divide (written matter) with punctuation marks.

What is another word for "Punctuate"?

Other words for "Punctuate" include accent, accentuate, emphasize, feature, foreground, highlight, illuminate and play up. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Punctuate" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Punctuate"?

There are 23 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Punctuate". Common alternatives include accent, accentuate, emphasize, feature, foreground, highlight, illuminate, play up, point (up) and press.

What is the opposite of "Punctuate"?

Antonyms of "Punctuate" include de-emphasize and play down. Near antonyms include tone (down), underemphasize, understate and belittle.

How do you use "Punctuate" in a sentence?

Examples of "Punctuate" in a sentence: "punctuated each and every word of his denial with a pound of his fist on the table".

Is "Punctuate" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Punctuate" is a verb.

How do you pronounce "Punctuate"?

"Punctuate" is pronounced /ˈpəŋk-chə-ˌwāt/ and divided into syllables as punc·tu·ate.

What is the origin of the word "Punctuate"?

"Punctuate" comes from Medieval Latin punctuatus, past participle of punctuare to point, provide with punctuation marks, from Latin punctus point. First known use: circa 1766t.