distend

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb distend differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of distend are amplify, dilate, expand, inflate, and swell. While all these words mean "to increase in size or volume," distend implies outward extension caused by pressure from within.

a distended abdomen

When can amplify be used instead of distend?

The words amplify and distend can be used in similar contexts, but amplify implies the extension or enlargement of something inadequate.

amplify the statement with details

When might dilate be a better fit than distend?

The words dilate and distend are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, dilate applies especially to expansion of circumference.

dilated pupils

In what contexts can expand take the place of distend?

Although the words expand and distend 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 distend?

The meanings of inflate and distend largely overlap; however, inflate implies expanding by introduction of air or something insubstantial and suggests a vulnerability to sudden collapse.

an inflated ego

When is swell a more appropriate choice than distend?

While the synonyms swell and distend are close in meaning, 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 distend 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 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 His stomach was distended — a sign of severe malnutrition. Joe Snell, Washington Post, 30 July 2024 The dress had been constructed from a boudoir-ish bodice, which distended into a full-skirted ballgown, giving the impression of deliberate deshabillé, as if the design had been left unfinished on the mannequin. Daniel Rodgers, Vogue, 17 Apr. 2024 Their heads are twizzling, their eyes bulging, their teeth ground to the gums, their bowels distended. Brian T. Allen, National Review, 23 Dec. 2023 The silhouettes are distended and reveal the skin beneath these big cobwebs of yarn. Daniel Rodgers, Vogue, 6 Sep. 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distend
Verb
  • 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
  • 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
Verb
  • December 2012 Intense pain, swelling, and overwhelming fatigue worsen.
    Health, Health, 20 May 2025
  • The wheat fields practically glow golden-yellow, the citizens work and mingle while wearing gorgeous and colorful clothes, and the music swells and soothes with ancient vibes.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 19 May 2025
Verb
  • Autism rates increased, again: But RFK Jr. diverges from CDC report about the reason.
    Adrianna Rodriguez, USA Today, 15 May 2025
  • Under the Tax Cut and Jobs Act (TCJA), the filing threshold was increased to $11,580,000 in 2020, and $11,700,000 in 2021 and is adjusted for inflation thereafter through 2025.
    Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 May 2025
Verb
  • Here, instead, everything is more dilated in time and there are fewer things on your schedule.
    Billboard Italy, Billboard, 16 May 2025
  • The research adds that simultaneously, a cold plunge can improve circulation by dilating the blood vessels—a win for cardiovascular health, if done regularly.
    Mara Santilli, Flow Space, 16 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Distend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distend. Accessed 25 May. 2025.

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