Did you know?
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
Chicago Tribune, 24 June 2025
Wilson said amending the city’s sign ordinance to allow digital billboards could also open San Diego up legally to other types of advertising the city has prohibited.
—David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 June 2025
But a provision tucked inside the Senate Republican bill to enact President Trump's second-term agenda would force the USPS to sell off the brand new trucks and cancel or significantly amend the contract for the remaining 58,800 that are due to be delivered over the next 10 years.
—Tracy J. Wholf
june 24, CBS News, 24 June 2025
At the time, the governor said the slight was unintentional and amended it on social media.
—Andy Rose, CNN Money, 22 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for amend
Cite this Entry
“Amend.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/amend. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.
Copy Citation
Share