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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 However, some believe amending the constitution to extend presidential term limits is on the table. Helen Regan, CNN Money, 2 June 2025 In 2024, near the end of his six-year-term, López Obrador proposed amending the constitution to mandate judicial elections. Patrick J. McDonnell, Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2025 Hawley is also the co-sponsor, with Senator Cory Booker, Democrat of New Jersey, of the Faster Labor Contracts Act, which would amend the National Labor Relations Act to require employers to begin negotiating with newly unionized workers within ten days. Eyal Press, New Yorker, 30 May 2025 The response was not enough for Rascon-Rivas, who started an online petition to amend the policy, the outlet reported. Sam Gillette, People.com, 23 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for amend
Recent Examples of Synonyms for amend
Verb
  • Doing so not only creates a tidier physical space but also improves mental space since you’re not left dwelling on what to do with your things.
    Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 June 2025
  • The lateral stretching of toe spread exercises can help improve your flexibility and motor control, protect against bunion pain and increase foot stability, Tenforde says.
    Andee Tagle, NPR, 7 June 2025
Verb
  • That misunderstanding was corrected in short order and chalked up to a learning experience.
    Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 8 June 2025
  • Most violations were corrected during the inspection.
    Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 6 June 2025
Verb
  • Congress is closer than it's been in a long time to massively reforming college financial aid.
    Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 13 June 2025
  • Instead, local and state officials should reform legislation to reduce labor and material costs, and red tape (fees/taxes/regulations).
    Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 June 2025
Verb
  • As disparate data sources come together through intelligent ETL processes enhanced by AI, the next step is managing the security, authentication and role-level access of the different departments and users.
    Lori Schafer, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • Switch on headlights - Even during daylight hours, using headlights can enhance visibility and signal your presence to other drivers.
    STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 June 2025
Verb
  • At the same time, the response to that show set up Lloyd’s vision to rewrite the rules.
    Jenelle Riley, Variety, 9 June 2025
  • The measures would have rewritten principles in the country’s founding document, a treaty between Māori tribal leaders and representatives of the British Crown signed at the time New Zealand was colonized.
    Charlotte Graham-McLay, Christian Science Monitor, 5 June 2025
Verb
  • There are times when adults really should behave more like children.
    DeVonne Goode, Parents, 6 June 2025
  • Successful deployment depends on robust guardrails—policies, oversight mechanisms and escalation paths that ensure agents behave in alignment with enterprise standards.
    Alan Ranger, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
Verb
  • Irreparable harm normally means a harm that monetary damages can’t later remedy.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 12 June 2025
  • Fort Worth’s restaurant inspections function on a demerit system: Zero demerits is considered a perfect score, and restaurants that receive over 30 demerits are required to fix the worst problems immediately and remedy the rest within 48 hours.
    Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Amend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/amend. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.

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