dilate

verb

Definition of dilatenext
as in to distend

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb dilate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of dilate are amplify, distend, expand, inflate, and swell. While all these words mean "to increase in size or volume," dilate applies especially to expansion of circumference.

dilated pupils

When is amplify a more appropriate choice than dilate?

In some situations, the words amplify and dilate are roughly equivalent. However, amplify implies the extension or enlargement of something inadequate.

amplify the statement with details

When can distend be used instead of dilate?

The words distend and dilate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, distend implies outward extension caused by pressure from within.

a distended abdomen

Where would expand be a reasonable alternative to dilate?

Although the words expand and dilate 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 dilate?

The synonyms inflate and dilate 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 would swell be a good substitute for dilate?

The words swell and dilate 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 dilate During an eye exam, an eye doctor (ophthalmologist or optometrist) may use drops to temporarily dilate the pupil to see inside the eye.7 Symptoms With miosis, either one or both pupils may be abnormally small. —Maxine Lipner, Verywell Health, 19 Mar. 2025 And times dilate, or lengthen, by a factor of γ, for any object-in-motion relative to their otherwise stationary surroundings. —Big Think, 28 Feb. 2025 The cervix can open (dilate) to let out fluids like blood during a period. —Andrea L. Braden, Verywell Health, 14 Feb. 2025 Part of the problem was well known—in response to severe inflammation, blood vessels dilate, causing blood pressure to drop precipitously—but Doctor wondered whether the root cause was red-cell injury. —Nicola Twilley, The New Yorker, 3 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dilate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dilate
  1. distend
  2. inflate
  3. augment
  4. increase
  5. expand
  6. enlarge
  7. swell
  8. accelerate
Verb
  • Isaiah was also malnourished and dehydrated at the time of his death, with his small and large intestines markedly distended.
    — Sam Tabachnik, Denver Post, 22 Mar. 2017
  • The pup’s abdomen was firm and distended.
    — Terry Castleman, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2025
Definition of distend
Verb
  • Vance’s account of this dispute conveniently inflates the evidence of Abrego Garcia’s alleged membership in the MS-13 gang and omits the U.S. government’s responsibility for returning him to El Salvador.
    — Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 25 May 2025
  • Or as if the screen had inflated to a sphere with him at its most forward part.
    — Rob Pegoraro, PC Magazine, 23 May 2025
Definition of inflate
Verb
  • Sperling initially designs his work in black and white, later adding color to augment his vision.
    — R. Daniel Foster, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
  • That motor augments the rider's pedaling power up to a top speed of 25 km/h (16 mph), automatically triggered by a torque sensor on the bike's crankset.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 21 May 2025
Definition of augment
Verb
  • These stressors seem to be taking a toll; measurements show anxiety and sleep deprivation among adolescents are rising, and even teen suicide attempts are increasing.
    — Clara Moskowitz, Scientific American, 26 May 2025
  • In the past 12 months alone, revenue increased 8.1% from $372 billion to $400 billion.
    — Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
Definition of increase
Verb
  • Dowling’s donation comes as Northwell, New York’s largest health care provider, is actively lobbying the city government on a plan to expand its Lenox Hill Hospital complex on the Upper East Side, filings show.
    — Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 27 May 2025
  • The terminal was expanded in 2023. 2012: Paul Konerko hit a tie-breaking three-run home run — his 400th with the Chicago White Sox — in a 12-6 win over the Cleveland Indians.
    — Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 27 May 2025
Definition of expand
Verb
  • Last year, a bill that would have allocated funds for enlarging the dam while prohibiting state laws from obstructing the project died in the House.
    — CalMatters, Mercury News, 13 May 2025
  • This can then enlarge the wound and attract more flies to lay eggs.
    — Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 13 May 2025
Definition of enlarge
Verb
  • Sinusitis, which means inflammation of the sinuses, can result in pain, tenderness or even swelling in or around different parts of your face and head such as your eyes, ears, cheeks, forehead, mouth, teeth, throat and head in general as well.
    — Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
  • Untold pieces of protest art also were created in public spaces across the U.S. – from murals honoring Floyd, to calls for justice and support for the Black Lives Matter movement, which swelled in the wake of Floyd's death.
    — Deena Zaru, ABC News, 26 May 2025
Definition of swell
Verb
  • Businesses ready to explore how crypto payments can accelerate growth are invited to connect directly through the Vantack platform.
    — William Jones, USA Today, 22 May 2025
  • Comment with strategy and purpose The next secret to accelerated growth lives in your LinkedIn commenting strategy.
    — Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
Definition of accelerate

Browse Nearby Words

dilatations
dilate
dilated
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Cite this Entry

“Dilate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dilate. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

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