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

KimChi Chic Give Me Grip PDRN Primer This primer elongates wear, amplifies pigment, and turns skin into a smooth canvas. —Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 21 Jan. 2026

The tools amplify engineering capacity. —Joe Toscano, Forbes.com, 20 Jan. 2026

In China's equity market, leverage primarily comes from margin financing, in which investors borrow from brokers to buy shares, amplifying both gains and losses. —Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 19 Jan. 2026

Reset Your Home A cluttered environment can amplify feelings of stress and stagnation. —Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 19 Jan. 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