Synonyms of amplify

amplify

verb

ˈam-plə-ˌfī 

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

• develop
• expand
• supplement
• flesh (out)
• complement
• enlarge (on or upon)
• elaborate (on)
• dilate (on or upon)
• add (to)
• run on
• expatiate
• discourse
• ramble

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• shorten
• condense
• summarize
• compress
• abridge
• contract
• abbreviate
• outline
• sum up

2

as in to increase

to make greater in size, amount, or number

the number of blood volunteers was significantly amplified by the promise of thank-you gifts to donors

Synonyms & Similar Words

• increase
• accelerate
• expand
• augment
• boost
• raise
• multiply
• extend
• enhance
• reinforce
• intensify
• maximize
• add (to)
• strengthen
• enlarge
• escalate
• aggrandize
• swell
• stoke
• compound
• build up
• pump up
• up
• heighten
• supplement
• hype
• supersize
• develop
• inflate
• complement
• lengthen
• prolong
• magnify
• elongate
• skyrocket
• jump
• spike
• draw out
• distend
• dilate
• boom
• bump (up)
• protract
• stretch
• reenforce
• flesh (out)
• ratchet (up)
• accumulate
• blow up
• collect
• amass
• beef (up)
• rachet (up)
• follow up
• parlay

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• reduce
• diminish
• decrease
• lessen
• lower
• abate
• subtract (from)
• downsize
• dwindle
• curtail
• shorten
• abridge
• abbreviate
• minify
• compress
• condense
• de-escalate
• constrict
• contract
• cut back
• retrench

3

as in to intensify

to make markedly greater in measure or degree

a fox's large ears serve to amplify such sounds as little critters skittering among stones

Synonyms & Similar Words

• intensify
• enhance
• deepen
• heighten
• strengthen
• consolidate
• reinforce
• accentuate
• magnify
• boost
• broaden
• redouble
• sharpen
• expand
• step up
• augment
• emphasize
• beef (up)
• extend
• accelerate
• maximize
• lengthen
• enforce
• amp (up)
• enlarge
• supplement
• hasten
• point (up)
• quicken
• exacerbate
• enliven
• reenforce
• stress
• aggravate
• jazz (up)
• restrengthen

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• reduce
• decrease
• diminish
• moderate
• tone (down)
• abate
• weaken
• lessen
• subdue
• recede
• alleviate
• subside
• lighten
• ease
• let up (on)
• dwindle
• wane
• taper (off)

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

Recent Examples of amplify

The concerning outlook was amplified by commentary from Arm CEO Rene Haas, who indicated the company is considering designing its own processors. —Annie Palmer, CNBC, 31 July 2025

It was all posted to Patrick's social media platforms, and then amplified by news outlets. —John C. Moritz, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025

This can amplify that background source, an effect that astronomers use with Hubble and the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) to study extremely distant galaxies that would usually be too faint to see. —Robert Lea, Space.com, 30 July 2025

Its reach is further amplified by partnerships with major companies such as Cisco, Rapid7, MITRE, WEI and Wolf & Co, who participate as members of its Corporate Consortium, offering input, internships, and job opportunities. —Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 29 July 2025