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as in to develop
to express more fully and in greater detail after filing a report of missing luggage, he was asked to amplify a bit as to the circumstances

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb amplify differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of amplify are dilate, distend, expand, inflate, and swell. While all these words mean "to increase in size or volume," amplify implies the extension or enlargement of something inadequate.

amplify the statement with details

When is it sensible to use dilate instead of amplify?

Although the words dilate and amplify have much in common, dilate applies especially to expansion of circumference.

dilated pupils

In what contexts can distend take the place of amplify?

The meanings of distend and amplify largely overlap; however, distend implies outward extension caused by pressure from within.

a distended abdomen

When would expand be a good substitute for amplify?

While the synonyms expand and amplify are close in meaning, expand may apply regardless of the manner of increase (such as growth, unfolding, addition of parts).

a business that expands every year

When could inflate be used to replace amplify?

The synonyms inflate and amplify 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 might swell be a better fit than amplify?

The words swell and amplify 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 amplify Nationalist sentiment, amplified by state media, has left U.S. firms vulnerable — a trend Trump’s policies will only intensify. Dewardric L. McNeal, CNBC, 25 Feb. 2025 Reid used her primetime slot to hold leaders accountable, challenge misinformation and amplify issues often sidelined in mainstream political discourse. Melissa Noel, Essence, 24 Feb. 2025 The dialogue sparked by media, amplified by pop culture, and celebrated through events is a testament to the plant’s growing acceptance—a transformation that shows no signs of slowing down. Matt Rozo, The Mercury News, 24 Feb. 2025 This narrative, amplified by figures like Trump, Musk, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio has not only distorted the reality of land reform in South Africa but has also fueled the far-right's broader agenda in many Western countries. Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 14 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for amplify
Recent Examples of Synonyms for amplify
Verb
  • In some cases, a person may have been susceptible to developing lung fibrosis due to an underlying condition and the COVID-19 infection may accelerate the fibrotic progression.
    Amy McGorry, Fox News, 8 Mar. 2025
  • The New York Times reported in February that American intelligence agencies have concluded that Iran is exploring a faster, if cruder, approach to developing an atomic weapon if its leadership decides to race for a bomb.
    David E. Sanger, New York Times, 8 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Its revenue increased 21% to 18.7 billion yuan ($2.6 billion) in the first nine months of 2024 from the same period in 2023.
    Hassan Tayir, CNN, 3 Mar. 2025
  • China is facilitating this by strengthening cooperation with Russia on research and commercial activities, as well as by increasing China's national icebreaker capacity.
    Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 3 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Those conversations intensified this week with interviews in Indianapolis, as teams do their due diligence.
    Kevin Fishbain, The Athletic, 26 Feb. 2025
  • Following the injury, his determination intensified.
    Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 26 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said Monday that the computer chipmaker TSMC had expanded its investment in the United States because of the possibility of separate 25% tariffs.
    COMPILED BYDEMOCRAT-GAZETTE STAFFFROM WIRE REPORTS, arkansasonline.com, 4 Mar. 2025
  • The chef shares some of her most favorite recipes and meal offerings, with hopes people expand their palates and horizons.
    Dominique Fluker, Essence, 4 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • If an earlier breakthrough occurs: Should a major quantum attack capability emerge earlier than expected, the bitcoin community can accelerate the above timeline.
    Dave Birnbaum, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
  • On the surface, this shift has the potential to accelerate China’s ascent as a global power, potentially granting the world’s second-largest economy space to win more allies, boost its global leadership and shift global norms and rules – such as those on human rights or security – in its favor.
    Simone McCarthy, CNN, 26 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • For example, a healthcare provider using a unified content model can empower their staff to retrieve patient records or research data with ease, reducing the burden on management and enhancing patient experience.
    Daniel Fallmann, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Federal officials noted that the penalties are enhanced based on Tilley’s prior state convictions.
    Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 7 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Granular applications of fertilizer can be supplemented periodically with water-soluble organics.
    Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Mar. 2025
  • Information from The Associated Press was used to supplement this news article.
    Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 28 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Conrad called steel guitarist Justin Schipper in to augment the band the next day at The Smoakstack, a studio loaded with guitars — and ceramic figures — in Nashville’s Berry Hill neighborhood.
    Tom Roland, Billboard, 27 Feb. 2025
  • Possibilities include accelerating drug discovery, augmenting preclinical or clinical research, predicting potential product quality issues and optimizing testing protocols.
    Aman Wasan, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Amplify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/amplify. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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