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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.
Examples of amend in a Sentence
CBS News, 31 Jan. 2026
The bill amends the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Patient Protection Act and the Medical Cannabis Regulation Act, harmonizes tax and enforcement provisions, and clarifies how cannabis will be treated across state codes.
—Alonzo Martinez, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026
But with the June primary ballot deadline rapidly approaching, the delay likely nixes the possibility of the city amending its own tax before a possible statewide measure goes before voters.
—Calmatters, Oc Register, 29 Jan. 2026
So Two Roads used its majority vote to amend the document and change the declaration’s rules about termination.
—Catherine Odom
january 29, Miami Herald, 29 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for amend
Cite this Entry
“Amend.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/amend. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.
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