AMPLIFY Synonyms: 117 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'amplify' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of amplify are dilate , distend , expand , inflate , and swell . While all these words mean "to increase in size or volume," amplify implies the extension or enlargement of something inadequate. // amplify the statement with details

Q: When is it sensible to use 'dilate' instead of 'amplify'?

Although the words dilate and amplify have much in common, dilate applies especially to expansion of circumference. // dilated pupils

Q: In what contexts can 'distend' take the place of 'amplify'?

The meanings of distend and amplify largely overlap; however, distend implies outward extension caused by pressure from within. // a distended abdomen

Q: When would 'expand' be a good substitute for 'amplify'?

While the synonyms expand and amplify are close in meaning, expand may apply regardless of the manner of increase (such as growth, unfolding, addition of parts). // a business that expands every year

Q: When could 'inflate' be used to replace 'amplify'?

The synonyms inflate and amplify are sometimes interchangeable, but inflate implies expanding by introduction of air or something insubstantial and suggests a vulnerability to sudden collapse. // an inflated ego

Q: When might 'swell' be a better fit than 'amplify'?

The words swell and amplify can be used in similar contexts, but swell implies gradual expansion beyond a thing's original or normal limits. // the bureaucracy swelled to unmanageable proportions

amplify

verb

ˈam-plə-ˌfī

Definition of amplify

as in to develop

to express more fully and in greater detail after filing a report of missing luggage, he was asked to amplify a bit as to the circumstances

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to increase

to make greater in size, amount, or number the number of blood volunteers was significantly amplified by the promise of thank-you gifts to donors

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to intensify

to make markedly greater in measure or degree a fox's large ears serve to amplify such sounds as little critters skittering among stones

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb amplify differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of amplify are dilate, distend, expand, inflate, and swell. While all these words mean "to increase in size or volume," amplify implies the extension or enlargement of something inadequate.

amplify the statement with details

When is it sensible to use dilate instead of amplify?

Although the words dilate and amplify have much in common, dilate applies especially to expansion of circumference.

dilated pupils

In what contexts can distend take the place of amplify?

The meanings of distend and amplify largely overlap; however, distend implies outward extension caused by pressure from within.

a distended abdomen

When would expand be a good substitute for amplify?

While the synonyms expand and amplify are close in meaning, expand may apply regardless of the manner of increase (such as growth, unfolding, addition of parts).

a business that expands every year

When could inflate be used to replace amplify?

The synonyms inflate and amplify are sometimes interchangeable, but inflate implies expanding by introduction of air or something insubstantial and suggests a vulnerability to sudden collapse.

an inflated ego

When might swell be a better fit than amplify?

The words swell and amplify can be used in similar contexts, but swell implies gradual expansion beyond a thing's original or normal limits.

the bureaucracy swelled to unmanageable proportions

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of amplify If anything, the Lacoste treatment amplifies that confidence by showing that performance and style no longer have to exist at opposite ends of the spectrum. — New Atlas, 11 July 2026 Counseling and therapy practices are also adopting the tech, since the OPUS SoundBed is used to amplify modalities like IASIS MCN and EMDR by translating meditations and music into full-body vibration. — Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 10 July 2026 As the summer goes on, 250th anniversary celebrations are likely to amplify the crowds in some parks. — Jen Rose Smith, CNN Money, 10 July 2026 In a scene where the suffragists burn an effigy of President Wilson, Natalio amplifies the turbulent tone with intense movement from the ensemble. — Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 10 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for amplify

Recent Examples of Synonyms for amplify

Verb

State officials say the legislation is intended to attract companies developing next-generation energy technologies.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 16 July 2026
The hospital has also successfully used AI to analyze patients’ heart rhythms to tell whether someone could develop atrial fibrillation, a condition that can cause blood clots and strokes.

— Clare Duffy, CNN Money, 16 July 2026

Definition of develop

Verb

In recent months, drone sightings in Nikopol have increased from two or three per day to about three every hour, day and night, Varytsev says.

— Daria Tarasova-Markina, CNN Money, 18 July 2026
Homelessness after incarceration increases the chances that someone will end up back behind bars, at a steep cost to taxpayers.

— Amber Gaudet July 18, Charlotte Observer, 18 July 2026

Definition of increase

Verb

Monsoon season and an intensifying El Niño are also underway and could bring more chances for rain to the region.

— Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 13 July 2026
Uganda has been a source of stability in a volatile region, but intensifying authoritarianism warrants a review of the United States’ relationship with one of its most important security and counterterrorism partners in East Africa.

— Editorial Board, Washington Post, 13 July 2026

Definition of intensify

Verb

The Office of the State Auditor maintained that its interest in a Midland site was based on expanding geographic access to early voting, not dictating the county’s final plan.

— Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 18 July 2026
Although revenues have expanded substantially, income needs to continue growing rapidly for Newcastle to sustain a higher salary base and regularly sign the best players.

— Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 18 July 2026

Definition of expand

Verb

Engineers believe exposing robots to everyday activities such as cooking will accelerate their development for applications beyond manufacturing, including hospitality, retail, healthcare, and domestic assistance.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 17 July 2026
This transformation is not the product of any single administration, although recent political polarization has accelerated it.

— John Eger, Mercury News, 17 July 2026

Definition of accelerate

Verb

That impressive steak, seasoned just right to enhance the natural flavors of the wagyu beef, is just one reason to visit Enzo Steakhouse at Trilith in Fayetteville.

— Justin Brown, AJC.com, 12 July 2026
Wider Michelin tires come standard, as does enhanced regenerative braking and handy access panels to make servicing easier – a feature your mechanic will certainly appreciate.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 11 July 2026

Definition of enhance

Verb

Even workers who are still employed face double economic pressure as basic wages increasingly fail to meet rising living costs and reduced overtime, driven by falling orders, has hampered their ability to supplement income.

— Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 17 July 2026
To supplement their starters, Miami may need to rely further on its bullpen.

— Will Sammon, New York Times, 17 July 2026

Definition of supplement

Browse Nearby Words

amplifies

amplify

amplifying

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“Amplify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/amplify. Accessed 18 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of amplify

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