amend

verb

\ ə-ˈmend

amended; amending; amends

Definition of amend

1 : to put right especially : to make emendations in (something, such as a text) amended the manuscript

2a : 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

Other Words from amend Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym Amend vs. Emend More Example Sentences Learn More about amend

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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

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

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

His retention bonuses were amended to $1 million on July 31 of each year from 2012 to 2014 and from 2016 to 2017. — Jon Hale, The Courier-Journal, "How John Calipari's contract has changed over 10 years as Kentucky's basketball coach," 17 June 2019 Months later, his charges were amended to the stand violation, and Durand pleaded guilty. — Matt Stout, BostonGlobe.com, "State wildlife board pick once pleaded guilty to a hunting charge. But he swears he didn’t bait deer," 14 June 2019 The program has been amended and extended several times. — Rose Meily, The Mercury News, "Real deal: Realtors hail flood insurance solution," 14 June 2019 The final order was amended Thursday after several hours of negotiations to require the hotel owners to conduct a public information and outreach program and come up with a plan to reduce their use of plastic. — Peter Fimrite, SFChronicle.com, "Half Moon Bay Ritz-Carlton ordered to quit impeding beach access," 13 June 2019 During court proceedings, the charges were amended to physical abuse of a child causing great bodily harm, chronic neglect of a child-causing great bodily harm and causing mental harm to a child. — Karen Pilarski, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Mom bound for trial in case of 10-year-old who police say received unnecessary medical procedures based on false health information," 10 June 2019 That legislation, known as Senate Bill 1002, was amended to include a $3,000 dividend paid using the traditional formula supported by Dunleavy. — James Brooks, Anchorage Daily News, "Alaska Senate plans Monday votes for state budget and dividend legislation," 7 June 2019 The Ellis Act was amended in 2003 by state Assembly Bill 1217, which allowed some cities to impose regulations on owners of rental properties such as single-room occupancy hotels. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Lawsuit argues Plaza Hotel owners must replace lost rooms," 6 June 2019 Building support among Democrats Though the above elements were in the original bill, which is supported by the state's Republican Governor, the bill was amended early Wednesday to garner support from Ohio's House Democrats. — Megan Geuss, Ars Technica, "Ohio lawmakers pass bill to cut renewable requirement, help nuclear and coal," 31 May 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'amend.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

21 Jun 2019

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Time Traveler for amend

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

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More Definitions for amend

amend

verb

English Language Learners Definition of amend

: to change some of the words and often the meaning of (a law, document, etc.)

: to change and improve (something, such as a mistake or bad situation)

See the full definition for amend in the English Language Learners Dictionary

amend

verb

\ ə-ˈmend

amended; amending

Kids Definition of amend

1 : to change for the better : improve He tried to amend the situation by apologizing.

2 : to change the wording or meaning of : alter Congress voted to amend the law.

amend

transitive verb

Legal Definition of amend

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