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 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 At 6-foot-3, pushing 330 pounds, his appearance was misshapen by a stomach distended with fluid. Max Blau, ProPublica, 21 Aug. 2023 An ultrasound revealed that Sugar’s stomach was significantly distended and inflamed and that her pancreas was swollen and inflamed, according to the affidavit. Jonathan Edwards, Washington Post, 16 Aug. 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distend
Verb
  • 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
  • These actions are leaving the U.S. vulnerable despite years of evidence that Russia is committed to continuing and expanding its cyber efforts, according to Liana Keesing, campaigns manager for technology reform at Issue One, a nonprofit that has studied technology’s impact on democracy.
    David Klepper, Chicago Tribune, 4 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Also known as Triple E, the virus swells the brain, and kills about one in three patients.
    Denise Hruby, Orlando Sentinel, 6 Mar. 2025
  • The imbalance swelled to a record $131.4 billion in January, a 34% increase from the prior month and nearly double from a year ago.
    Jeff Cox, CNBC, 6 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Accordingly, with no viable domestic production alternative, prices for end-users would increase.
    Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes, 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
  • Your capillaries, dilated by exercise, carry heat from your core out to your skin.
    Outside Online, Outside Online, 19 Feb. 2025
  • An anxious cat, however, will have their eyes wide and unblinking, and their pupils will be dilated into an oval or circle, according to Purina.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 19 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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