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as in to reform
to change one's behavior or character for the better the judge had heard the defendant promise before that he would amend

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb amend differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of amend are correct, emend, rectify, redress, reform, remedy, and revise. While all these words mean "to make right what is wrong," amend, reform, revise imply an improving by making corrective changes, amend usually suggesting slight changes.

amend a law

When is it sensible to use correct instead of amend?

The words correct and amend are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, correct implies taking action to remove errors, faults, deviations, defects.

correct your spelling

When can emend be used instead of amend?

In some situations, the words emend and amend are roughly equivalent. However, emend specifically implies correction of a text or manuscript.

emend a text

When could rectify be used to replace amend?

While in some cases nearly identical to amend, rectify implies a more essential changing to make something right, just, or properly controlled or directed.

rectify a misguided policy

Where would redress be a reasonable alternative to amend?

The meanings of redress and amend largely overlap; however, redress implies making compensation or reparation for an unfairness, injustice, or imbalance.

redress past social injustices

When might reform be a better fit than amend?

Although the words reform and amend have much in common, reform implies drastic change.

plans to reform the court system

In what contexts can remedy take the place of amend?

While the synonyms remedy and amend are close in meaning, remedy implies removing or making harmless a cause of trouble, harm, or evil.

set out to remedy the evils of the world

When would revise be a good substitute for amend?

The words revise and amend can be used in similar contexts, but revise suggests a careful examination of something and the making of necessary changes.

revise the schedule

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of amend In February, the president amended the complaint to seek at least $20 billion. Todd Spangler, Variety, 13 June 2025 Breault’s House Bill 624, which was amended by the Senate, passed unanimously on Thursday. Nolan McKendry, The Washington Examiner, 12 June 2025 Alabama, Arkansas, Idaho and Georgia were among the states that saw a jump in pediatric gun deaths after amending their firearms restrictions following a 2010 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that applied the Second Amendment to the states, researchers found. Cara Tabachnick, CBS News, 11 June 2025 What happens after Baldoni files to amend those two claims by his deadline? Jack Smart, People.com, 10 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for amend
Recent Examples of Synonyms for amend
Verb
  • His case improves significantly if Sovereignty and Fierceness split their efforts or falter down the stretch.
    Jared Welch, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025
  • But Marsha believed that collectives were stronger than any individuals and that standing in solidarity with one another could improve the safety of their community.
    Raquel Willis, Time, 19 June 2025
Verb
  • The disuse of clemency means that a succession of governors abdicated their ancient power to correct miscarriages of justice and temper justice with mercy, which Florida courts don’t do well.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 23 June 2025
  • Trump Is Preparing for a US Attack on Iran Fifty years later, oceanographers are working to correct the record on sharks and educate people on why sharks are a critical part of the ocean's ecosystem and need to be protected.
    Sophie Clark, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • Congress has its own ideas about how to reform FEMA.
    Rebecca Hersher, NPR, 26 June 2025
  • And fear of a world that might finally see the truth: that the Islamic Republic cannot be contained, cannot be reformed, and cannot survive in the face of a mobilized and united population.
    Jila Andalib, Hartford Courant, 25 June 2025
Verb
  • Thoughtful packaging enhances brand perception, encourages repeat purchases and boosts word-of-mouth.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
  • Some things in life are mood enhancing and for me one of those things are narrowing down the products that will make it in my suitcase for my summer excursions.
    Samantha Mims, Essence, 23 June 2025
Verb
  • This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
    Mychael Schnell, The Hill, 22 June 2025
  • Associated Press text, photo, graphic, audio and/or video material shall not be published, broadcast, rewritten for broadcast or publication or redistributed directly or indirectly in any medium.
    Steven Mross, Arkansas Online, 22 June 2025
Verb
  • Prosecutors allege Orellana passed out face shields to people behaving violently.
    Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 17 June 2025
  • At this point, we should be conditioned to expect pop stars to behave in a controversial manner.
    Keith Caulfield, Billboard, 17 June 2025
Verb
  • And while existing reports do address some of the underlying issues facing Black residents, Robinson stressed the importance of aggregating data specific to Richmond’s Black residents so the city can take a holistic approach to remedying problems and uplifting those struggling most.
    Sierra Lopez, Mercury News, 21 June 2025
  • To remedy the lack of fresh food, some municipalities have pledged part of their state grocery tax revenues to attract grocery stores, and are contractually obligated to come up with the money regardless if the state provides it.
    Mike Nolan, Chicago Tribune, 11 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Amend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/amend. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

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