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

Shareholders should be able to scrap these costly actions by amending their company bylaws to provide instead for arbitration. — Hal Scott, WSJ, "The SEC’s Misguided Attack on Shareholder Arbitration," 22 Feb. 2019 On Wednesday night and by a unanimous vote, the City Council gave preliminary approval to amending the municipal code to provide rules and regulations that will make way for mobile vehicles to sell frozen treats. — Mike Danahey, Elgin Courier-News, "Elgin City Council gives initial nod to lifting 45-year ice cream truck ban," 22 Mar. 2018 President Jair Bolsonaro, inaugurated Jan 1, is expected to send a bill to Congress next week amending the constitution to eliminate perks allowing many Brazilians, particularly in public service, to retire in their mid-50s. — Paulo Trevisani, WSJ, "Brazil Says New Government Ready to Help Venezuela, Approve Pension Reform," 14 Feb. 2019 Catalonia’s separatist political parties, which hold seats in Spain’s Parliament, have failed to garner support to amend the Spanish Constitution to allow a vote on secession. — Joseph Wilson, The Seattle Times, "Separatists launch ‘autumn of protests’ on Catalonia Day," 11 Sep. 2018 The company's website is chock-full of guides and videos on saving seeds, hand-pollinating, caring for and amending soil, and growing huge versions of everything from beetroot to parsnips. — Robin Tribble, Popular Mechanics, "How to Grow a Giant Pumpkin," 24 Jan. 2019 The release of Covey’s name came one day after Roberson’s mother amended a wrongful death lawsuit filed last year. — P.r. Lockhart, Vox, "A black security guard caught a shooting suspect — only to be shot by police minutes later," 23 Jan. 2019 The appeals court ruling summarized some of the claims made against Charter: In addition to recounting Entertainment Studios' failed negotiations with Charter, Plaintiffs' amended complaint also included direct evidence of racial bias. — Jon Brodkin, Ars Technica, "Charter, Comcast don’t have 1st Amendment right to discriminate, court rules," 19 Nov. 2018 Lawmakers also will begin the process of amending the state constitution to let people vote by mail, for any reason, with absentee ballots. — Jimmy Vielkind, WSJ, "New York Gov. Cuomo to Introduce State Budget Weeks Before Deadline," 10 Jan. 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

15 Mar 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