Synonym Chooser

How does the verb emend differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of emend are amend, correct, rectify, redress, reform, remedy, and revise. While all these words mean "to make right what is wrong," emend specifically implies correction of a text or manuscript.

emend a text

How is amend related to other words for emend?

Amend, reform, and revise imply an improving by making corrective changes, amend usually suggesting slight changes.

amend a law

In what contexts can correct take the place of emend?

The words correct and emend can be used in similar contexts, but correct implies taking action to remove errors, faults, deviations, defects.

correct your spelling

Where would rectify be a reasonable alternative to emend?

In some situations, the words rectify and emend are roughly equivalent. However, rectify implies a more essential changing to make something right, just, or properly controlled or directed.

rectify a misguided policy

When could redress be used to replace emend?

The synonyms redress and emend are sometimes interchangeable, but redress implies making compensation or reparation for an unfairness, injustice, or imbalance.

redress past social injustices

When can reform be used instead of emend?

While the synonyms reform and emend are close in meaning, reform implies drastic change.

plans to reform the court system

When would remedy be a good substitute for emend?

The meanings of remedy and emend largely overlap; however, remedy implies removing or making harmless a cause of trouble, harm, or evil.

set out to remedy the evils of the world

When is revise a more appropriate choice than emend?

While in some cases nearly identical to emend, revise suggests a careful examination of something and the making of necessary changes.

revise the schedule

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 emend Indeed, DiCarlo has gone the extra mile to promote her company and to emend its image—her image—as required. Lux Alptraum, Wired, 16 Oct. 2020 Editor’s Note: This article has been emended since its initial publication. Madeleine Kearns, National Review, 24 Jan. 2020 Since preservation is no longer an issue, why not amend and emend the rules to play out the final? Jon Wertheim, SI.com, 24 July 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for emend
Verb
  • The campaign to amend the uniform regulations has made headlines across Ireland, whose prime minister has even voiced support for the athletes to have the right to wear shorts.
    Ken Maguire, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2025
  • Executive guidance and memoranda have said that the policy will be enforced comprehensively and without further delay unless otherwise amended by presidential action.
    Tahar Rajab, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025
Verb
  • But given that Brendan was just carved up, Kev quickly corrects his mum.
    Matt Cabral, EW.com, 18 May 2025
  • This story has been corrected to show that Boston and Reese got double technical fouls, not Clark and Reese.
    Michael Marot, Baltimore Sun, 17 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Emend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/emend. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on emend

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!