AMPLIFY Synonyms: 117 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

amplify

verb

ˈam-plə-ˌfī

Definition of amplify next

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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to increase

to make greater in size, amount, or number the number of blood volunteers was significantly amplified by the promise of thank-you gifts to donors

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to intensify

to make markedly greater in measure or degree a fox's large ears serve to amplify such sounds as little critters skittering among stones

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Examples 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 Everyday users will still encounter frequent hallucinations and basic reasoning failures, which also get triumphantly amplified by AI skeptics. —

Garrison Lovely, TIME, 8 Jan. 2025 Those struggles are amplified within the Black community, according to DeRozan. —

Rachel Murphy, Health, 8 Jan. 2025 The integration of generative AI marks a significant technological advancement that can dramatically amplify the power of digital twins. —

William Bain, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024 It is filled with bias and designed to amplify the 'China threat' narrative only to justify the U.S.'s desire to maintain military supremacy. —

Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 23 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for amplify

Recent Examples of Synonyms for amplify

Verb

Disney is also developing a live-action remake of the original for release in 2026.

— Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 19 Jan. 2025
The four-time Oscar nominee was well known for creating the 1990 TV series Twin Peaks, which developed into an additional feature film and a 2017 revival season.

— Escher Walcott, People.com, 19 Jan. 2025