Synonyms of dilate

dilate

verb

as in to distend

Related Words

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

Dissimilar Words

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

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

Recent Examples of dilate

In essence, these medications – known as PDE-5 inhibitors – work by preventing the breakdown of a signaling molecule, which in turn helps relax smooth muscle cells and dilate blood vessels. — Will Stone, NPR, 17 Aug. 2026

The sudden temperature change causes blood vessels in the palate to constrict and then rapidly dilate as warm blood flows into the area to restore normal tissue temperature. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 Aug. 2026

An autopsy found the cause of death was dilated cardiomyopathy, a disease of the heart muscle that can lead to heart failure, with morbid obesity listed as a contributing factor, according to prosecutors. — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 27 June 2026

As the polymer expands, the tiny pores dilate, allowing larger molecules to slip through. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 18 June 2026