DISTEND Synonyms: 76 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

distend

verb

Definition of distend next

as in to expand

to make or become larger especially because of pressure from inside The illness can cause the stomach to distend.

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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 Fiber slows gastric emptying, making the stomach more distended. —

Amy Brownstein, Verywell Health, 27 May 2026 In his songs, the English language turned woolier and more expressionistic; musical space-time distended and stretched. —

New York Times, 28 Apr. 2026 His abdomen became distended, and his behavior changed — enough to concern caregivers. —

Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 21 Apr. 2026 His abdomen became very hard and distended. —

Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 21 Apr. 2026 According to a July 2025 update, Elliot’s abdomen was very hard and distended. —

Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 21 Apr. 2026 Boxing scenes in movies, other than in a handful of classics, tend to start to look all the same, a mishmash of beads of sweat and blood and jowels distended, all fists flying and battering as two men catapult and careen across the ring. —

Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 19 Mar. 2026 My stomach wasn't distended anymore. —

Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 19 Feb. 2026 The fragile skeleton of her ego threatened to snap under the pressure of the animal forces that pressed down on her consciousness, her narrative mind sagging and distended beneath pitiless and grandiose feeling. —

Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 11 Jan. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for distend

Verb

The council would then examine the details surrounding the change before passing an ordinance expanding those voting rights.

— Melissa Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
Since then, the United States has expanded from 13 colonies along the Atlantic coast to 50 states stretching from the Atlantic to the Pacific and beyond.

— Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 3 July 2026

Definition of expand

Verb

This kind of abuse — and the swelling cost of cyberscams to victims around the world — has led to periodic crackdowns.

— ABC News, ABC News, 30 June 2026
Short sessions may help with lower-extremity swelling in otherwise healthy people, and MD Anderson Cancer Center has pointed to low-intensity vibration as potentially useful for cancer patients maintaining bone and muscle health.

— Allison Palmer, Kansas City Star, 30 June 2026

Definition of swell

Verb

The state also has goals, including some that have been in place since 2012, that set declining limits on smog-causing pollutants and required automakers to sell increasing percentages of electric and hybrid vehicles through 2025.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
The news came a day before Liz reported on Hong Kong’s beleaguered cinema market finally having an upturn, with overall box office revenues increasing by 25% thanks to a strong line-up of local and Hollywood releases.

— Max Goldbart, Deadline, 3 July 2026

Definition of increase

Verb

An autopsy found the cause of death was dilated cardiomyopathy, a disease of the heart muscle that can lead to heart failure, with morbid obesity listed as a contributing factor, according to prosecutors.

— Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 27 June 2026
As the polymer expands, the tiny pores dilate, allowing larger molecules to slip through.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 18 June 2026