amplify

verb

am·​pli·​fy ˈam-plə-ˌfī 

amplified; amplifying

transitive verb

1

: to expand (something, such as a statement) by the use of detail or illustration or by closer analysis

2

a

: to make larger or greater (as in amount, importance, or intensity) : increase

b

: to increase the strength or amount of

especially : to make louder

c

: to cause (a gene or DNA sequence) to undergo amplification

intransitive verb

: to expand one's remarks or ideas

Synonyms of amplify

• develop
• expand
• supplement

Choose the Right Synonym for amplify

expand, amplify, swell, distend, inflate, dilate mean to increase in size or volume.

expand may apply regardless of the manner of increase (such as growth, unfolding, addition of parts).

a business that expands every year

amplify implies the extension or enlargement of something inadequate.

amplify the statement with details

swell implies gradual expansion beyond a thing's original or normal limits.

the bureaucracy swelled to unmanageable proportions

distend implies outward extension caused by pressure from within.

a distended abdomen

inflate implies expanding by introduction of air or something insubstantial and suggests a vulnerability to sudden collapse.

an inflated ego

dilate applies especially to expansion of circumference.

dilated pupils

Examples of amplify in a Sentence

amplify a weak radio signal

a receiver that amplified the television signal

using spices to amplify the flavors of the food

Recent Examples on the Web

As a result, the aesthetic is dominated by the warm tones of walnut wood furniture with rounded details; light gray walls creating a neutral backdrop for the brand’s collections, and mirrored details amplifying the sense of airiness. —Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 23 Feb. 2026

The White House amplified the post, which was accompanied by a rendering of one of the ships, the United States Naval Ship (USNS) Mercy, sailing majestically on open ocean. —Theresa Braine, Mercury News, 23 Feb. 2026

The storm amplified that upwelling, injecting nitrate into waters roughly 20 to 50 meters deep. —Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 23 Feb. 2026

In its analysis of the campaign to amplify Minaj’s posts and her newfound far-right point of view, the firm indicated that the Minaj X campaign’s primary objective had less to do with her embrace of MAGA and more with boosting the rapper’s reputation. —Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 23 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English amplifien "to enlarge, increase," borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French amplifier, borrowed from Latin amplificāre "to increase the size of, augment," from amplus "more than adequate in size or extent, ample" + -i- -i- + -ficāre -fy

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 2a

Rhymes for amplify

• abscissae
• alibi
• alkali
• alumni
• amoebae
• annuli
• beautify
• brachii
• butterfly
• calculi
• certify
• clarify

Kids Definition

amplify

verb

am·​pli·​fy ˈam-plə-ˌfī 

amplified; amplifying

1

: enlarge sense 2

especially : to add details or illustrations to

amplify a statement

2

: to increase (voltage, current, or power) in magnitude or strength

Medical Definition

amplify

transitive verb

am·​pli·​fy -ˌfī 

amplified; amplifying

1

: to make larger or greater (as in amount or intensity)

2

: to increase the strength or amount of

especially : to make louder

3

: to cause (a gene or DNA sequence) to undergo amplification