amplify

verb

ˈam-plə-ˌfī How to pronounce amplify (audio)
Definition of amplifynext
1
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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
3
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 ongoing confusion and mystery regarding Lionel Messi’s availability was amplified before kickoff on Thursday, and what followed was a tense victory that was tighter than the final scoreline indicated. —Franco Panizo, Miami Herald, 7 Mar. 2025 The long-lasting spray is made to amplify the skin for a smoothing, pore-blurring effect. —Julia Teti, WWD, 7 Mar. 2025 Led by President Jillian Share, Teton Ridge Entertainment produces films and television series, both scripted and unscripted, that amplify various elements of the American West. —Katcy Stephan, Variety, 27 Feb. 2025 Why Quality Matters More Than Ever For Enterprises The shift toward digital-first operations has amplified the consequences of poor quality. —Maneesh Sharma, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for amplify
Recent Examples of Synonyms for amplify
  1. develop
  2. increase
  3. intensify
  4. expand
  5. accelerate
  6. enhance
  7. supplement
  8. augment
Verb
  • The flavor of this simple beef stew recipe improves with time, allowing the flavors to develop when the stew chills.
    — Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Mar. 2025
  • Should a rally develop, short covering could fuel it.
    — John Navin, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025
Definition of develop
Verb
  • United, a club who had the gas cut off at Bank Street, so impoverished were they, now had a stadium to fit the increasing industry and prosperity of the area.
    — Michael Walker, The Athletic, 15 Mar. 2025
  • Certain parlays have increased odds, giving customers the chance at more winnings.
    — Mark Davis, Newsweek, 15 Mar. 2025
Definition of increase
Verb
  • But that pressure has been intensified by the Trump administration – especially on the offshore wind industry.
    — Matt Egan, CNN, 10 Mar. 2025
  • One reason is likely intensifying EV competition, especially from companies like China’s BYD.
    — Alan Ohnsman, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
Definition of intensify
Verb
  • The analyst believes that Costco has the opportunity to expand its warehouse footprint further.
    — TipRanks.com Staff, CNBC, 16 Mar. 2025
  • The film, which expanded to top markets including LA, Boston, Washington, DC, Philadelphia, Seattle and Phoenix, was still the highest-grossing pic at several top theaters including the Somerville Theatre and the Avalon Theatre in DC.
    — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 16 Mar. 2025
Definition of expand
Verb
  • Probably the most significant factor is the company's ever-present pressure to accelerate, even while taking on more and more challenging tasks.
    — Ryan Whitwam, Ars Technica, 10 Mar. 2025
  • If Ukraine and the U.S. reach an understanding acceptable to Trump, that could accelerate his administration’s push to peace talks.
    — Matthew Lee and Hanna Arhirova, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2025
Definition of accelerate
Verb
  • Meditation helps counteract this by enhancing critical thinking skills, reducing emotional reactivity, and fostering a mindset of responsibility.
    — Felicia Jackson, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025
  • Check out the slam dunk deals below that’ll enhance the game-viewing experience and keep sports lovers fed and hydrated.
    — Moná Thomas, People.com, 19 Mar. 2025
Definition of enhance
Verb
  • Ending unnecessary subscriptions, or other forms of entertainment can help people supplement their emergency budget.
    — Solcyré Burga, TIME, 11 Mar. 2025
  • There are plenty of ways that AI can be used to supplement and enhance human learning, in both business and personal applications.
    — Brady Gilliam, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
Definition of supplement
Verb
  • This is the first of a new type of rideshare program flying to that orbit that augments SpaceX’s Transporter program that flies to SSO.
    — Richard Tribou, Orlando Sentinel, 15 Mar. 2025
  • The key is using AI to augment decision-making, not replace it.
    — Zehra Soysal, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of augment

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Cite this Entry

“Amplify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/amplify. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.

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