amended; amending; amends

transitive verb

1
: to put right
especially : to make emendations in (something, such as a text)
amended the manuscript
2
a
: to change or modify (something) for the better : improve
amend the situation
b
: to alter especially in phraseology
especially : to alter formally by modification, deletion, or addition
amend a constitution

intransitive verb

: to reform oneself
amender noun

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Amend vs. Emend

The question of whether to use amend or emend is a vexing one for many people, complicated by the fact that the words sound quite similar and have meanings that overlap to a considerable degree. Both words can be used with the meanings “to improve” or “to correct,” but there are subtle differences. Emend is most often used in connection with changes to some form of written material, such as a text or manuscript; while such documents may also be described as amended, amend can apply to improvements or corrections made to things other than writing, as in “he amended his behavior.” The confusion is compounded by the fact that one of the most frequently encountered uses of amend is in reference to a document: the Constitution of the United States.

Choose the Right Synonym for amend

correct, rectify, emend, remedy, redress, amend, reform, revise mean to make right what is wrong.

correct implies taking action to remove errors, faults, deviations, defects.

correct your spelling

rectify implies a more essential changing to make something right, just, or properly controlled or directed.

rectify a misguided policy

emend specifically implies correction of a text or manuscript.

emend a text

remedy implies removing or making harmless a cause of trouble, harm, or evil.

set out to remedy the evils of the world

redress implies making compensation or reparation for an unfairness, injustice, or imbalance.

redress past social injustices

amend, reform, revise imply an improving by making corrective changes, amend usually suggesting slight changes

amend a law

, reform implying drastic change

plans to reform the court system

, and revise suggesting a careful examination of something and the making of necessary changes.

revise the schedule

Examples of amend in a Sentence

The country's constitution was amended to allow women to vote. They voted to amend the law in 1920. He tried to amend the situation by apologizing to me.
Recent Examples on the Web How did Sacramento County vote on Prop 1? Proposition 1 amends the 2004 Mental Health Services Act as the Behavioral Health Services Act to address California’s homelessness crisis. Hanh Truong, Sacramento Bee, 6 Mar. 2024 When Farxiga indeed was named as one of the first 10 drugs, the company amended its complaint with a three-word change to bring it up to date. Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2024 Filing as single and amending later will cause confusion and potential penalties. Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2024 Fungal disease should be removed from the garden, and the soil should be amended annually with organic compost or worm castings topped with several inches of an organic mulch. Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Mar. 2024 The proposals prompted several hours of fierce debate in both chambers, as well as unsuccessful attempts to amend the House version. Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 29 Feb. 2024 That ’80s idea of radio as predictable background music has been amended. Tom Roland, Billboard, 28 Feb. 2024 As currently amended, the bill would create a $2 million grant program to help each county pay for leasing and installation — about $21,000 per box. Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 28 Feb. 2024 Any red state that allows for ballot measures to amend the state constitution. Kayla Bartsch, National Review, 25 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'amend.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French amender, modification of Latin emendare, from e, ex out + menda fault; akin to Latin mendax lying, mendicus beggar, and perhaps to Sanskrit mindā physical defect

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of amend was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near amend

Cite this Entry

“Amend.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/amend. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

amend

verb
1
: to change for the better : improve
2
: to change the wording or meaning of : alter
amend a legislative bill
amendable adjective
amender noun

Legal Definition

amend

transitive verb
1
: to change or modify for the better
2
: to alter especially in the wording
especially : to alter formally by modification, deletion, or addition
amended the statute
amend the complaint to cure the defect
amendable adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on amend

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