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

Getting fully circular is one thing; the company has amended its 2020 Vision, a set of 20 goals across eight social and environmental priority areas, to allow that some will be achieved in 2025, or even 2030. — Bridget Read, Vogue, "In the Future, We’ll All Be Wearing Eileen Fisher," 29 May 2019 Last-minute changes were amended to exclude additional categories of violent felons for early release, including carjackers who intended to cause serious bodily injury. — Natalie Andrews, WSJ, "Senate Passes Landmark Criminal-Justice Overhaul Bill in Bipartisan Vote," 18 Dec. 2018 This story has been amended to correct the number of injured. — Colleen Barry, The Seattle Times, "Italian bridge collapse sends cars plunging, killing 26," 14 Aug. 2018 It was subsequently amended to allow for more flexibility. — Somini Sengupta, New York Times, "Ireland Moves to Divest From Fossil Fuels," 12 July 2018 The charges against Gonzales were amended accordingly. — Maggie Wilson, ajc, "$1 million nationwide warrant issued for Washington man sought in beheading death," 30 June 2018 At that point, it was amended to add exceptions to the net neutrality protections. — Aaron Pressman, Fortune, "California's Net Neutrality Plan Adds Exceptions Sought by the Telecom Industry," 20 June 2018 De León’s bill would in turn be amended to say that any telecom company or ISP that doesn’t comply with SB822 would be prevented from entering into public contracts in California. — Peter Fimrite, SFChronicle.com, "2 state senators join forces on bills requiring equal internet access in California," 18 June 2018 At the time the state law was amended, the legislature gave home rule municipalities a 10-day window to put local assault weapons bans in place before the amended law eliminated their ability to do so. — Karen Berkowitz, chicagotribune.com, "Judge temporarily blocks Deerfield assault weapons ban, which was to take effect today," 13 June 2018

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

7 Jun 2019

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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