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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 The cart before the horse There’s a difference between a scientist who hypothesizes that a medical fact may be true and then sets about testing that idea, and a scientist who has already embraced and amplified a medical theory and is now casting about for something to support his conclusion. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 7 May 2025 Political posturing in the past year has amplified due to U.S. prisoner releases from Russia and China, combined with efforts from the bipartisan Congressional-Executive Commission on China, or CECC. Nick Mordowanec, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 May 2025 The committee arranged for two local musicians to write songs that amplified their conservationist message and created a documentary, Jockey’s Ridge: Of Time and Eternity, which screened statewide. Amy Brecount White, Smithsonian Magazine, 6 May 2025 Likewise, deep door pockets and armrest bins amplify storage space. Matthew MacConnell, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for amplify
Recent Examples of Synonyms for amplify
Verb
  • The project, which includes a five-star hotel and a residential estate, was developed by a company linked to Prayudh’s PM Group.
    Phisanu Phromchanya, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025
  • To make matters more convoluted, Charity developed an eerie obsession with both of her sisters and identifies the three of them as one person.
    Caroline Blair, People.com, 3 May 2025
Verb
  • Autism rates increased, again: But RFK Jr. diverges from CDC report about the reason.
    Adrianna Rodriguez, USA Today, 15 May 2025
  • Net income increased almost thirteenfold last year to $192.4 million from $15.3 million in 2023.
    Samantha Subin, CNBC, 14 May 2025
Verb
  • Since then, Israel has announced a plan to intensify its war on Gaza.
    Paul Elie, New Yorker, 9 May 2025
  • At the same time, customer acquisition costs are climbing, lifetime value is shrinking and the competitive landscape is intensifying.
    Amit Jhawar, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
Verb
  • This year, that influence expanded into the cultural mainstream with her debut on Season 7 of The Real Housewives of Miami.
    Nia Bowers, USA Today, 16 May 2025
  • On a year-on-year basis, however, Japan's GDP expanded 1.7%, the largest expansion since the first quarter of 2023 and a stronger showing compared to the 1.3% growth seen in the fourth quarter.
    Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 16 May 2025
Verb
  • Witnesses told police the SUV appeared to accelerate directly at the family.
    Bethany Brown, People.com, 9 May 2025
  • Currently, a shift in technology and user behavior might accelerate the conclusion of the agreement.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
Verb
  • By replacing human workers with AI tools, Intuit aims to enhance efficiency and stay competitive in the rapidly evolving fintech sector.
    Jack Kelly, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025
  • The recently operational Atal Setu (Mumbai Trans Harbour Link) further enhances accessibility to South Mumbai.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 4 May 2025
Verb
  • Depending on the concentration, it can be used regularly to supplement oral health hygiene practices. — EDMUND KHOO, DDS, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD Summary Gargling with 3% hydrogen peroxide is safe if it is diluted with water.
    Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 12 May 2025
  • Information from the Associated Press was used to supplement this report.
    Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 11 May 2025
Verb
  • Automate Administrative Tasks Generative AI can help augment your human capital efforts by taking over routine tasks.
    Heather Peters, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
  • 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, 13 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Amplify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/amplify. Accessed 21 May. 2025.

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