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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 When physical activity decreases, the effects of hormonal changes can be amplified during menopause, leading to further weight gain. Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 26 June 2025 Finishing the salad with a light poppyseed dressing amplifies the sweetness of the fruit while adding tanginess for contrast. Stephanie Ganz, Southern Living, 26 June 2025 Certain ripples can, for instance, amplify cold snaps. Denise Chow, NBC news, 26 June 2025 The direction of the storm also amplified the danger. Bethany Wales, Sacbee.com, 25 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for amplify
Recent Examples of Synonyms for amplify
Verb
  • Combat is fast and snappy but requires in-depth knowledge of its systems players will develop over time.
    Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 24 June 2025
  • When land is sold and developed, new housing triggers construction work, retail build‑outs, and decades of property‑tax revenue that rises with home values.
    James Broughel, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
Verb
  • The gap between the top 75th percentile and the bottom 25th percentile performers increased by 1.5 times in Q1 2025 compared to a year earlier, with market leaders continuing to charge ahead while the bottom 20% to 30% of the sector continued to report a reduction in growth.
    Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 19 June 2025
  • Ratcliffe has since increased his stake to nearly 30 per cent after spending a further $300m on new shares.
    Dan Sheldon, New York Times, 19 June 2025
Verb
  • Getty Images Cybercriminals have intensified their efforts to steal and sell online passwords, experts warn.
    Dylan Butts, CNBC, 26 June 2025
  • While inflation and rising interest rates have intensified financial pressure across the board, the impact has been disproportionately severe for those already operating at a capital disadvantage, which includes many women of color entrepreneurs.
    Alejandra Rojas, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
Verb
  • Most significantly, 62% say their responsibilities have expanded significantly beyond their core reporting roles, with 37% reporting layoffs or buyouts at their organizations in the past year.
    Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
  • Hackers over the years have expanded their target list to include cities and municipalities, hospitals, hotels and casinos, as reported by CBS News' 60 Minutes.
    Anne Marie D. Lee, CBS News, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • This can accelerate aging and increase the risk for diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some cancers.
    Essence, Essence, 26 June 2025
  • India’s space ambitions have accelerated under Modi, who was elected to a third term last June and has tried to assert India’s place on the global stage.
    Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 26 June 2025
Verb
  • Thoughtful packaging enhances brand perception, encourages repeat purchases and boosts word-of-mouth.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
  • Some things in life are mood enhancing and for me one of those things are narrowing down the products that will make it in my suitcase for my summer excursions.
    Samantha Mims, Essence, 23 June 2025
Verb
  • The Wizards’ decision-makers intend to have enough flexibility and future draft picks a few years down the line to supplement their young nucleus, either through signings or trades.
    Josh Robbins, New York Times, 17 June 2025
  • Local law enforcement often supplements the security forces as well.
    Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 15 June 2025
Verb
  • 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, 18 June 2025
  • Next, executives will pull draft decks, key performance indicators (KPIs) and reports from internal systems and augment them with AI summarization of complex documents into executive digests.
    Paroon Chadha, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Amplify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/amplify. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

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