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 The arteries then dilate slowly until the arrival of the next norepinephrine wave. —Tom Hawking, Popular Science, 8 Jan. 2025 Magnesium plays a key role in dilating intracranial blood vessels, so low levels can negatively affect blood flow to the area.14 7. —Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, Rdn, Health, 23 Dec. 2024 Similar to dilated cardiomyopathy, restrictive cardiomyopathy can have a number of potential causes, including genetic mutations, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy. —Elizabeth Millard, TIME, 18 Dec. 2024 These health benefits are largely due to flavanols — bioactive compounds found in plants that trigger nitrous oxide production, which then dilates blood vessels and thus decreases blood pressure. —Rachel Raposas, People.com, 5 Dec. 2024 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
  • The Most Exciting New Advances in Managing COPD With another strategy, diaphragmatic breathing, patients concentrate on distending their abdomen while taking in air.
    — Matt Fuchs, TIME, 24 Oct. 2024
  • Abdominal bloating is when the stomach feels full of gas and may become distended (sticks out).
    — Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 14 Sep. 2024
Definition of distend
Verb
  • Miguel’s third successful 3-pointer in as many attempts gave them an 18-13 lead, and a pair of free throws by Rice inflated that advantage to 20-14.
    — Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 17 Feb. 2025
  • This mobile living space resembles a space station with its inflatable dome, which can inflate to triple its size.
    — Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, Fox News, 16 Feb. 2025
Definition of inflate
Verb
  • Retail: In China, robots are augmenting hotels and retail, disrupting customer and in-store digital experiences and enabling shopping on the go, increasing footfall and customer satisfaction.
    — Sudhanshu Duggal, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025
  • The Navy, specifically, wants a hybrid fleet, with sailors and Marines augmented by smart machinery strapped with guns, jammers and sensors.
    — Colin Demarest, Axios, 18 Feb. 2025
Definition of augment
Verb
  • Easy solution: increase the toll to keep more cars out of Midtown.
    — New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 20 Feb. 2025
  • Though Congress began its new session just a little over a month ago, its approval rating has increased among Americans, according to new data from Gallup.
    — Sudiksha Kochi, USA TODAY, 20 Feb. 2025
Definition of increase
Verb
  • She’s since expanded into other jewelry and accessories categories and launched lifestyle items like laptop cases, luggage tags and keychains.
    — Layla Ilchi, WWD, 20 Feb. 2025
  • Since then, the company has expanded to more than 20 locations across California, including a wholesale site.
    — Marcus D. Smith, Sacramento Bee, 20 Feb. 2025
Definition of expand
Verb
  • And while there are occasional deserters, the intellectual stratum is enlarging.
    — Marquis William Childs, Harper's Magazine, 19 Feb. 2025
  • The remodel, which starts Feb. 17, will make city offices more secure by enlarging the assistant clerk’s office and creating a new waiting room area for visitors with window access to the clerk’s office, officials said.
    — Mary Divine, Twin Cities, 3 Feb. 2025
Definition of enlarge
Verb
  • Cold exposure is particularly helpful for those who have irritable skin through the constriction of blood vessels, alleviating swelling and flushes.
    — Lucy Notarantonio, Newsweek, 24 Feb. 2025
  • Tannins swelling the structure and acidity bathing the flavors.
    — Tom Mullen, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2025
Definition of swell
Verb
  • If an earlier breakthrough occurs: Should a major quantum attack capability emerge earlier than expected, the bitcoin community can accelerate the above timeline.
    — Dave Birnbaum, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
  • On the surface, this shift has the potential to accelerate China’s ascent as a global power, potentially granting the world’s second-largest economy space to win more allies, boost its global leadership and shift global norms and rules – such as those on human rights or security – in its favor.
    — Simone McCarthy, CNN, 26 Feb. 2025
Definition of accelerate

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Cite this Entry

“Dilate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dilate. Accessed 1 Mar. 2025.

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