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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 The judge also proposed amending Scott's supervised release to require random monitoring of her electronic devices. Ryan Murphy, IndyStar, 30 July 2025 The legislation, if approved, would place an initiative on that November’s ballot to amend the Arizona constitution so that employers could pay tipped workers twenty-five per cent less than the state minimum wage, then $14.35 an hour. Eyal Press, New Yorker, 28 July 2025 The influential House Rules Committee, which sets terms for how a bill will be debated on, amended and voted on by members in the lower chamber, must take up the bill next. Sudiksha Kochi, USA Today, 27 July 2025 The smart play, many months ago, would’ve been to amend the All-Star Game policy to create flexibility, such as allowing the commissioner to levy a stiff fine, either to the player or a team, in lieu of a suspension. Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for amend
Recent Examples of Synonyms for amend
Verb
  • The ban aims to improve academic achievement, reduce cyberbullying, and minimize classroom disruptions.
    Ruby Grisin, The Courier-Journal, 26 July 2025
  • According to Earnest's website, co-signers can improve their student's chances of getting approved by as much as five times.
    Jasmin Suknanan, CNBC, 25 July 2025
Verb
  • This article has been updated to reflect that Perry is in his sixth term, to correct the name of the Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs.
    Bayliss Wagner, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
  • This story was updated to correct a misspelled name.
    David Clarey, jsonline.com, 29 July 2025
Verb
  • These include the Palestinian Authority reforming its governance and holding elections in 2026 in which Hamas plays no part.
    Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 July 2025
  • Coach Mario Cristobal wasted little time reforming the group that handicapped his team a year ago.
    Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 24 July 2025
Verb
  • Senate Bill 6, authored by Sen. Phil King, R-Weatherford, seeks to bolster grid reliability, enhance outage protections for residential consumers, adjust transmission cost allocations and improve ERCOT's load forecasting transparency.
    Karoline Leonard, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
  • Moreover, while improving soil health and biodiversity, ranchers can enhance productivity.
    Nia Bowers, USA Today, 29 July 2025
Verb
  • 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.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 29 July 2025
  • This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
    Sarah Fortinsky, The Hill, 28 July 2025
Verb
  • According to the study authors, research on how AI behaves in market environments can help regulators understand gaps in existing rules and statutes.
    Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 1 Aug. 2025
  • There was no suggestion the former archbishop had behaved inappropriately.
    Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 July 2025
Verb
  • The Basic Balm, priced at $22, works to remedy dryness, fine lines and texture with squalane and a hydrating peptide complex.
    Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 29 July 2025
  • Infrastructure issues and building code violations would require significant investment to remedy, according to the residents’ attorney, Krisann Kuecher.
    Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 29 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Amend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/amend. Accessed 8 Aug. 2025.

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