amend

verb

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\ ə-ˈmend

amended; amending; amends

Definition of amend

transitive verb

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 Raman wanted to amend the law to allow tenants to provide any form of notice, written or not. — Emily Alpert Reyes, Los Angeles Times, "Proposed L.A. law banning landlords from harassing renters clears a key hurdle," 14 Apr. 2021 This is why the NCAA is scrambling to try to amend its rules to allow athletes to profit from their own fame. — Mike Bianchi, orlandosentinel.com, "New coach Gus Malzahn embraces player Twitter-handle jerseys at spring game | Commentary," 10 Apr. 2021 The full National People's Congress rubber-stamped a proposal in early March that authorized the Standing Committee to amend the Basic Law. — Fox News, "China reduces elected seats in Hong Kong legislature," 30 Mar. 2021 Republicans in the state Senate tried to amend the bill to require schools to offer at least three days per week of in-person learning, but Democrats in the majority rejected it. — Adam Beam, Star Tribune, "California Legislature OKs plan aimed at in-person learning," 4 Mar. 2021 Based on this finding, Benson called on lawmakers to amend the state's election law to make precincts and counting boards found to be out of balance without an explanation eligible for a recount. — Clara Hendrickson, Detroit Free Press, "Michigan completes most comprehensive post-election audit in state history: What it showed," 3 Mar. 2021 Still, some Democrats, like state Sen. Jennifer McClellan, called on Northam to amend the bill to legalize simple possession this year, among other changes. — NBC News, "Virginia lawmakers pass legislation that would legalize marijuana in 2024," 28 Feb. 2021 The subcommittee will bring the changes to the House Judiciary Committee, which will decide how to amend the bill. — Washington Post, "Push for police reform creates rift in Maryland’s Democratic caucus," 10 Feb. 2021 Trump asked Congress to amend the bill and up the amounts paid in stimulus checks. — Anneken Tappe, CNN, "Another 803,000 Americans filed for unemployment benefits last week," 23 Dec. 2020

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

22 Apr 2021

Cite this Entry

“Amend.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/amend. Accessed 22 Apr. 2021.

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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

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