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

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

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 The toy switches between these functions to mimic a real-life hunt, and the rope attached to the ball only amplifies the fun of the chase. — Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 30 Aug. 2026 Accompanying Tan’s claim was a flow chart that presented the Chinese government and state media as amplifying anti-AI and anti-data center messaging, based on reports from a cryptocurrency advocacy group. — Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026 While generally a dimmer comet, recent activity has dramatically amplified 220P/McNaught’s brightness. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 27 Aug. 2026 Managing them requires understanding where individual hazards can occur, but also how one can trigger or amplify another. — Milad Haghani, Scientific American, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for amplify

Recent Examples of Synonyms for amplify

Verb

The approach, developed by a team led by researchers from York University in Toronto, could improve how humanoid robots judge distances, recognize object orientation, and navigate complex environments.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 27 Aug. 2026
Since Ozzy’s death, Jack has been involved in the family business, which includes creating an Ozzy AI avatar and developing a film about his life and career with Sony.

— Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of develop

Verb

There are also increasing concerns that the Russia-Ukraine war could escalate, amid reports that CIA chief John Ratcliffe have made a secretive Moscow trip to warn Russia against attacking NATO.

— Justina Lee, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
Friday starts dry in the Twin Cities with clouds and temperatures increasing through the afternoon.

— Joseph Dames, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of increase

Verb

Japan’s Inpex, for example, formed a joint venture to expand its LNG investment in Australia’s Northern Territory.

— Katie Silver, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026
While most of its stores are in mainland China, the company had 4,378 stores overseas as of end-June and has been expanding into new markets, including central Asia and the Americas.

— Jenny Lee, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of expand

Verb

However, with multiple suppliers accelerating expansion, the eventual release of new capacity has raised fears of an inflection point in chip prices, which could threaten current high margins.

— , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
But no one has generated that feeling more than Mahomes, starting with some jaw-dropping throws in his first NFL start in the 2017 regular-season finale and accelerating with his true debut in 2018 with 10 touchdown passes in the first two games.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of accelerate

Verb

Meta agreed to impose changes including a default two-hour daily time limit for teens across Facebook and Instagram, muted notifications during school hours, and enhanced parental controls, with more updates potentially on the horizon.

— Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2026
Leaders must prioritize building cognitive and identity infrastructure, focusing on *how* people think and their self-authorship, ensuring AI enhances human judgment rather than standardizing it.

— Glenn Llopis, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of enhance

Verb

Newsom proposed another $18 billion last year to supplement the wildfire fund, which the Legislature approved.

— Sophie Austin, Fortune, 25 Aug. 2026
McConville said each year this grant helps supplement the district’s ag program by providing resources to modernize curriculum, enhance facilities and equipment, purchase essential supplies and connect students with real-world career pathways.

— Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of supplement

Verb

Even Jeremy Allen White, the actor known in part for a steamy Calvin Klein underwear campaign that flaunted his very real muscles, has been augmented by this pocket of the internet.

— José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 27 Aug. 2026
The funding augments ongoing lobbying efforts from the individual firms.

— Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of augment

Browse Nearby Words

amplifies

amplify

amplifying

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Style

“Amplify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/amplify. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of amplify

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