Definition of amplifynext
1
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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
3

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 Why Ozempic Users Face Extra Cautions For people taking Ozempic or other GLP-1 medications, alcohol can amplify side effects already common with the drugs. Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 1 June 2026 The agency’s report found about 3,000 fake accounts that amplified Becerra across social media platforms X, Facebook and Instagram while also criticizing Steyer, according to Steyer’s team. Dakota Smith, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2026 Exercising during it may amplify benefits the body is already prepared to receive. Allison Palmer june 1, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 June 2026 More staff amplifies cultural misalignment. Nilton Bernini, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for amplify
Recent Examples of Synonyms for amplify
Verb
  • The young guys like Anthony, Rafaela, Abreu and Mayer should all continue to grow and develop.
    Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 31 May 2026
  • Five individuals have been hospitalized, and two have developed HUS.
    Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2026
Verb
  • Becerra’s support increased by 9 percentage points in a little more than two weeks when compared with the May 9-10 Emerson results.
    Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2026
  • But even on a per-square-foot basis, the price has increased 33%.
    Allison Schrager, Boston Herald, 31 May 2026
Verb
  • As climate pressures intensify, biodiversity shrinks and consumers demand more transparency, the push to preserve older grain varieties and livestock breeds is reshaping what shows up in grocery aisles and on restaurant menus.
    Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 June 2026
  • Climate models predict a continued, long-term decline of snowpack as the effects of climate change intensify.
    Evan Bush, NBC news, 2 June 2026
Verb
  • The deal with Curry, who is a household name in China, is expected to further boost Li-Ning’s popularity in the country and help expand the brand’s market share in the US.
    John Liu, CNN Money, 2 June 2026
  • By greatly expanding the dimensions of his images, with their muted palettes, tight cropping, found symmetries, and laconic wit, had the maestro of the photographic epigram betrayed his subtractive aesthetic?
    James Quandt, Artforum, 2 June 2026
Verb
  • That’s another bill that doesn’t include her name because a Senate version of the legislation, which was designed to accelerate biomedical research, is what eventually passed, Owens said.
    Elliott Wenzler, Denver Post, 31 May 2026
  • The consumer demand, in both African domestic markets and globally, is documented and accelerating.
    Lisa Curtis, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026
Verb
  • The idea is to enhance security at nonprofits that could be targeted for their ideology or mission.
    Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 May 2026
  • In advertising, innovations in AI have led to the capability to analyze huge volumes of data, to tailor ads to individual consumer preferences and behaviors, and to enhance personalization in advertising.
    Melissa A. Wheeler, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
Verb
  • How private money helps bankroll the LAPD Like other big-city police forces, the LAPD has long turned to wealthy boosters to supplement its multibillion-dollar annual budget, which mainly goes toward salaries and other payroll costs.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2026
  • Andrew continued using Kalshi to supplement wages from a part-time job, funding golf with friends and dates with his girlfriend.
    Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 28 May 2026
Verb
  • Liquid fuel rockets will always have their inherent limitations, as will any systems that hope to augment or replace them.
    David Szondy May 31, New Atlas, 31 May 2026
  • This is the first of a new type of rideshare program flying to that orbit that augments SpaceX’s Transporter program that flies to SSO.
    Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 May 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Amplify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/amplify. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on amplify

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster