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 Similar to dilated cardiomyopathy, restrictive cardiomyopathy can have a number of potential causes, including genetic mutations, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy. Elizabeth Millard, TIME, 18 Dec. 2024 These health benefits are largely due to flavanols — bioactive compounds found in plants that trigger nitrous oxide production, which then dilates blood vessels and thus decreases blood pressure. Rachel Raposas, People.com, 5 Dec. 2024 Jennifer Salcedo, an ob-gyn who left a practice in Honolulu to move to the Valley, recalled that early on she was rushed into an operating room where a physician had attempted to perform a D. & E. but hadn’t fully dilated the woman’s cervix—a mandatory first step. Stephania Taladrid, The New Yorker, 25 Nov. 2024 This is because once inside the body, they are converted into nitric oxide, which dilates blood vessels and improves blood circulation. Maria Berentzen, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for dilate 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dilate
Verb
  • The Most Exciting New Advances in Managing COPD With another strategy, diaphragmatic breathing, patients concentrate on distending their abdomen while taking in air.
    Matt Fuchs, TIME, 24 Oct. 2024
  • Abdominal bloating is when the stomach feels full of gas and may become distended (sticks out).
    Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 14 Sep. 2024
Verb
  • Resale platforms may also list tickets, but buyers should be wary and avoid scams and inflated prices.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Feb. 2025
  • But many researchers now believe that design flaws in older studies falsely inflated the cardiovascular benefits of drinking.
    Jamie Ducharme, TIME, 28 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • On the water, drone boats and robo-subs are augmenting the firepower of more traditional, more expensive ships.
    Colin Demarest, Axios, 5 Feb. 2025
  • The mid-2010s Instagram vibe is augmented by the floods of emoji or comments that crowd the screen as Belle and Milla drink in the attention or shrink from criticism.
    Angie Han, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The value of most investments have increased significantly in the past year.
    Kerry Meagher, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
  • The complaint data becomes increasingly valuable as insurance premium rates in New York on average have increased by double-digit percentages in recent years, raising the stakes.
    David Robinson, USA TODAY, 7 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Immigrant advocates have pushed to shore up those protections with a federal bill that would expand visa eligibility for workers cooperating with regulators to expose labor violations, so far without success.
    Emily Alpert Reyes, Los Angeles Times, 8 Feb. 2025
  • Look, $100 million on initiatives like expanding atheism in Nepal.
    Linda Qiu, New York Times, 8 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Big names from class struggles past Presidents Theodore Roosevelt and Franklin D. Roosevelt, both scions of an old and prosperous Dutch dynasty in New York, enlarged their vision and political prospects by transcending allegiance to their economic caste.
    Ron Elving, NPR, 1 Feb. 2025
  • Out came a glossy photograph of Bissonnette enlarged to the size of a small poster.
    Peter Larsen, Orange County Register, 23 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Led by Colman Domingo as Divine G, Sing Sing swells with stunning performances that have earned several nominations from multiple awards bodies, including an Academy Award nod for Domingo and a BAFTA nomination for Clarence Maclin, who stars as Divine Eye.
    Billie Melissa, Newsweek, 31 Jan. 2025
  • While the signs and symptoms vary based on the allergen and individual, common symptoms of contact dermatitis include an itchy rash, leathery patches on the skin that are darker than usual, dry or cracked skin, bumps or blisters, swelling, burning, and tenderness.
    Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 30 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • As digital transformation accelerates, leaders like Balatka with Semantic Visions are paving the way for a more resilient and efficient supply chain industry.
    Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 1 Feb. 2025
  • Our energy strategy must prioritize affordability for residents while accelerating our transition toward sustainable energy sources.
    Naperville Sun, Chicago Tribune, 31 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near dilate

Cite this Entry

“Dilate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dilate. Accessed 12 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on dilate

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