dilate

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb dilate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of dilate are amplify, distend, expand, inflate, and swell. While all these words mean "to increase in size or volume," dilate applies especially to expansion of circumference.

dilated pupils

When is amplify a more appropriate choice than dilate?

In some situations, the words amplify and dilate are roughly equivalent. However, amplify implies the extension or enlargement of something inadequate.

amplify the statement with details

When can distend be used instead of dilate?

The words distend and dilate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, distend implies outward extension caused by pressure from within.

a distended abdomen

Where would expand be a reasonable alternative to dilate?

Although the words expand and dilate have much in common, expand may apply regardless of the manner of increase (such as growth, unfolding, addition of parts).

a business that expands every year

When is it sensible to use inflate instead of dilate?

The synonyms inflate and dilate 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 would swell be a good substitute for dilate?

The words swell and dilate 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 dilate During an eye exam, an eye doctor (ophthalmologist or optometrist) may use drops to temporarily dilate the pupil to see inside the eye.7 Symptoms With miosis, either one or both pupils may be abnormally small. Maxine Lipner, Verywell Health, 19 Mar. 2025 And times dilate, or lengthen, by a factor of γ, for any object-in-motion relative to their otherwise stationary surroundings. Big Think, 28 Feb. 2025 The cervix can open (dilate) to let out fluids like blood during a period. Andrea L. Braden, Verywell Health, 14 Feb. 2025 Part of the problem was well known—in response to severe inflammation, blood vessels dilate, causing blood pressure to drop precipitously—but Doctor wondered whether the root cause was red-cell injury. Nicola Twilley, The New Yorker, 3 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dilate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dilate
Verb
  • Isaiah was also malnourished and dehydrated at the time of his death, with his small and large intestines markedly distended.
    Sam Tabachnik, Denver Post, 22 Mar. 2017
  • The pup’s abdomen was firm and distended.
    Terry Castleman, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • With festering worries related to economic uncertainty, inflated costs, and federal policy whiplash, the popularity of park vacations is no coincidence.
    Time, Time, 3 June 2025
  • Its core of hydrogen fusion will expand and, in doing so, inflate the outer atmosphere of the star into gross proportions.
    Paul Sutter, Space.com, 3 June 2025
Verb
  • Anthropic sees this as an example of how AI can augment human work, not replace it.
    Gene Marks, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025
  • The new clubhouse/pro shop is set to be approximately 10,000 square feet and feature a year-round restaurant augmented by a dining room, sports bar, event space, terrace and multi-sport simulators.
    Daniel I. Dorfman, Chicago Tribune, 6 June 2025
Verb
  • Whether that caution slows adoption or increases security maturity remains to be seen, but the message is unambiguous: the era of unchecked AI optimism in federal cybersecurity is over.
    Emil Sayegh, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025
  • The company said an indicator light on the vehicle fails to light up and warn drivers of a traction control system or dynamic stability control system issue, increasing the likelihood of them crashing.
    Saleen Martin, USA Today, 7 June 2025
Verb
  • The work taps into an expanding debate about how biological evolution fits within the normal framework of science.
    Philip Ball, Wired News, 8 June 2025
  • This season, the hotel has also expanded with the renovation of a neighboring building, unveiling 25 new rooms each designed around an outdoor patio with sea views.
    Monica Mendal, Vogue, 8 June 2025
Verb
  • In this condition, excess CSF accumulates in the brain’s cavities, enlarging them and putting pressure on surrounding brain tissue even though diagnostic readings appear normal.
    Danielle Wilhour, The Conversation, 28 May 2025
  • Screen magnification tools are also readily available within site builders and can significantly enlarge text sections.
    Solomon Thimothy, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
Verb
  • Sinusitis, which means inflammation of the sinuses, can result in pain, tenderness or even swelling in or around different parts of your face and head such as your eyes, ears, cheeks, forehead, mouth, teeth, throat and head in general as well.
    Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
  • Untold pieces of protest art also were created in public spaces across the U.S. – from murals honoring Floyd, to calls for justice and support for the Black Lives Matter movement, which swelled in the wake of Floyd's death.
    Deena Zaru, ABC News, 26 May 2025
Verb
  • With attacks accelerating in pace and intensity, organizations cannot afford slow, laborious reporting structures.
    Travis Runty, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
  • Prior roles at Roku, Amazon, and Google reflect a consistent track record of driving platform growth, accelerating advertiser adoption, and shaping go-to-market strategies across streaming, e-commerce, and digital advertising.
    Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 2 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Dilate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dilate. Accessed 11 Jun. 2025.

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