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as in to develop
to express more fully and in greater detail after filing a report of missing luggage, he was asked to amplify a bit as to the circumstances

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb amplify differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of amplify are dilate, distend, expand, inflate, and swell. While all these words mean "to increase in size or volume," amplify implies the extension or enlargement of something inadequate.

amplify the statement with details

When is it sensible to use dilate instead of amplify?

Although the words dilate and amplify have much in common, dilate applies especially to expansion of circumference.

dilated pupils

In what contexts can distend take the place of amplify?

The meanings of distend and amplify largely overlap; however, distend implies outward extension caused by pressure from within.

a distended abdomen

When would expand be a good substitute for amplify?

While the synonyms expand and amplify are close in meaning, expand may apply regardless of the manner of increase (such as growth, unfolding, addition of parts).

a business that expands every year

When could inflate be used to replace amplify?

The synonyms inflate and amplify are sometimes interchangeable, but inflate implies expanding by introduction of air or something insubstantial and suggests a vulnerability to sudden collapse.

an inflated ego

When might swell be a better fit than amplify?

The words swell and amplify can be used in similar contexts, but swell implies gradual expansion beyond a thing's original or normal limits.

the bureaucracy swelled to unmanageable proportions

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 amplify Ohio deserves credit for playing with a lot of heart in the red zone, but while Ohio State’s offensive line looked good in the middle of the field, the mistakes were amplified inside the 20. Cameron Teague Robinson, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025 The studio worked with 46 bespoke international influencers to create content, and amplified those spots globally in bursts. Nancy Tartaglione, Deadline, 14 Sep. 2025 Over the weekend, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) escalated its offensive, striking two high-rise buildings in Gaza City, only to amplify fears and heighten concerns among hostage families that ongoing operations could endanger their relatives after more than 700 days in captivity. Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 6 Sep. 2025 That figured to only get amplified with the buzzing crowd for just the second NFL game here and a scene with a vibe reminiscent of crowds at an Olympic event. Kansas City Star, 6 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for amplify
Recent Examples of Synonyms for amplify
Verb
  • Consider how closed captioning, originally developed for deaf and hard-of-hearing users, now benefits millions in noisy environments or when audio isn't available.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Drought concerns in the Midwest and Northeast Widespread moderate drought has developed recently in the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, and Northeast, where precipitation during August was well below normal (rainfall deficits of 3 to 5 inches).
    Doyle Rice, USA Today, 14 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Start with once daily, and if your skin can handle it, gradually increase to two or three times per week.
    Lily Wohlner, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
  • When a La Niña phase occurs, less wind shear occurs in the regions of the Atlantic basin where tropical weather develops, increasing the potential for more storms, AccuWeather said.
    Doyle Rice, USA Today, 16 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The interview came as federal investigators intensified their search for Kirk's killer.
    Doc Louallen, ABC News, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Apple didn’t explain its reasoning behind the decision, but the market for satellite-to-phone service is intensifying.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Unrivaled Experiences Growth Spurt Unrivaled will expand ahead of its second season with the addition of two new clubs and a development player pool, the league announced Wednesday.
    Roberta F. Rodrigues, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
  • The panel issued over 100 recommendations, from limiting cash bail for misdemeanors to expanding racial equity training for prosecutors.
    Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The Department of War created a new task force in August to accelerate counter-drone development.
    Joseph Nepomuceno, The Washington Examiner, 13 Sep. 2025
  • The nanophotonic device could accelerate advances in communications, precision measurement, and even environmental monitoring.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 13 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The trio, working in tandem with a blend of 30 essential oils and extracts, comes together to condition hair follicles, relieve dry scalp, smooth split ends, and enhance hair elasticity.
    Kiana Murden, Vogue, 12 Sep. 2025
  • That is, the group enables Hamas to be both arsonist and firefighter, enhancing its control and reach into the lives of average, everyday Palestinians in Gaza.
    Sean Durns, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The charity’s agronomists predict that one kit, properly tended, can yield up to two hundred pounds of produce in a single season, enough to supplement the diets of a family of four.
    Jason Phillips, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Unrivaled leaders have maintained the league is designed as an additive offseason solution for the best WNBA players who don’t want to go overseas to supplement their income.
    Eric Jackson, Sportico.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Leaders must pair intelligence with intention, ensuring AI augments humanity, not replaces it.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
  • The Little Market is meant to augment the larger restaurant.
    Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Amplify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/amplify. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

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