amplify

verb

am·​pli·​fy ˈam-plə-ˌfī 

amplified; amplifying

transitive verb

1

: to expand (something, such as a statement) by the use of detail or illustration or by closer analysis

2

a

: to make larger or greater (as in amount, importance, or intensity) : increase

b

: to increase the strength or amount of

especially : to make louder

c

: to cause (a gene or DNA sequence) to undergo amplification

intransitive verb

: to expand one's remarks or ideas

Synonyms

• develop
• expand
• supplement

Choose the Right Synonym for amplify

expand, amplify, swell, distend, inflate, dilate mean to increase in size or volume.

expand may apply regardless of the manner of increase (such as growth, unfolding, addition of parts).

a business that expands every year

amplify implies the extension or enlargement of something inadequate.

amplify the statement with details

swell implies gradual expansion beyond a thing's original or normal limits.

the bureaucracy swelled to unmanageable proportions

distend implies outward extension caused by pressure from within.

a distended abdomen

inflate implies expanding by introduction of air or something insubstantial and suggests a vulnerability to sudden collapse.

an inflated ego

dilate applies especially to expansion of circumference.

dilated pupils

Examples of amplify in a Sentence

amplify a weak radio signal

a receiver that amplified the television signal

using spices to amplify the flavors of the food

Recent Examples on the Web

The event will focus on amplifying the voices of indigenous peoples and local communities in the Amazon rainforest and aim to raise $1 billion to protect, restore and rewild the Amazon rainforest. —Katie Atkinson, Billboard, 23 Oct. 2025

The brand is also collaborating with its partner, The PCA Companies, to expand retail distribution and amplify brand awareness in the market. —Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2025

And in the world of national parks, this tension is amplified by factors like location, accessibility, and sheer size. —Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 23 Oct. 2025

Geronimo, who runs a progressive consulting firm, urged activists to amplify stories of how people are pushing back on Trump by sharing articles, photos and videos. —Sarah D. Wire, USA Today, 23 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English amplifien "to enlarge, increase," borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French amplifier, borrowed from Latin amplificāre "to increase the size of, augment," from amplus "more than adequate in size or extent, ample" + -i- -i- + -ficāre -fy

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for amplify

• abscissae
• alibi
• alkali
• alumni
• amoebae
• annuli
• beautify
• brachii
• butterfly
• calculi
• certify
• clarify

Kids Definition

amplify

verb

am·​pli·​fy ˈam-plə-ˌfī 

amplified; amplifying

1

: enlarge sense 2

especially : to add details or illustrations to

amplify a statement

2

: to increase (voltage, current, or power) in magnitude or strength

Medical Definition

amplify

transitive verb

am·​pli·​fy -ˌfī 

amplified; amplifying

1

: to make larger or greater (as in amount or intensity)

2

: to increase the strength or amount of

especially : to make louder

3

: to cause (a gene or DNA sequence) to undergo amplification