Definition of amendnext
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as in to reform
to change one's behavior or character for the better the judge had heard the defendant promise before that he would amend

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb amend differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of amend are correct, emend, rectify, redress, reform, remedy, and revise. While all these words mean "to make right what is wrong," amend, reform, revise imply an improving by making corrective changes, amend usually suggesting slight changes.

amend a law

When is it sensible to use correct instead of amend?

The words correct and amend are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, correct implies taking action to remove errors, faults, deviations, defects.

correct your spelling

When can emend be used instead of amend?

In some situations, the words emend and amend are roughly equivalent. However, emend specifically implies correction of a text or manuscript.

emend a text

When could rectify be used to replace amend?

While in some cases nearly identical to amend, rectify implies a more essential changing to make something right, just, or properly controlled or directed.

rectify a misguided policy

Where would redress be a reasonable alternative to amend?

The meanings of redress and amend largely overlap; however, redress implies making compensation or reparation for an unfairness, injustice, or imbalance.

redress past social injustices

When might reform be a better fit than amend?

Although the words reform and amend have much in common, reform implies drastic change.

plans to reform the court system

In what contexts can remedy take the place of amend?

While the synonyms remedy and amend are close in meaning, remedy implies removing or making harmless a cause of trouble, harm, or evil.

set out to remedy the evils of the world

When would revise be a good substitute for amend?

The words revise and amend can be used in similar contexts, but revise suggests a careful examination of something and the making of necessary changes.

revise the schedule

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 amend Since then, 12 states have amended neglect statutes to recognize childhood independence, including Georgia. — Jennifer L. Brinkley, The Conversation, 19 Oct. 2026 The Greenwich Sentinel reported that at a recent forum, Democrat Jill Oberlander, candidate for the town’s 36th Senate District seat, said that the law should be amended or repealed, and stressed her support for community zoning authority. — Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 18 Oct. 2026 Walls, in contrast, supports amending the policy so those charged with certain offenses no longer qualify for pretrial release. — Olivia Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026 Voters in Charlotte also face six referendums, including three proposals that could amend the state constitution. — Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for amend
Recent Examples of Synonyms for amend
Verb
  • Parties that likely would support Eisenkot have vowed to improve Israel's international standing and work to conscript ultra-Orthodox men while bolstering the independence of the judiciary.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Such a process could potentially improve lithium recovery from underground brines while reducing the chemical demands of conventional separation methods.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 28 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Ahead of a critical divisional matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday night, the need to correct the problems sooner rather than later has become dire after a 2-4 start.
    — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Spotting where physical results diverge from computer models allows technical teams to correct their simulation software before committing to final prototype hardware.
    — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 22 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The citizens group hoping to reform Connecticut’s oppressive property tax system will release its recommendations Monday, hoping to force candidates for state offices to take positions during the final push toward Election Day.
    — Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Farmers will have to fallow their alfalfa fields, homeowners pull out their lawns, industries will have to reform.
    — Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Throughout history, some were commissioned to enhance the interiors with their signature flair while others bartered their artwork for breaks on daily rates and others simply just thrived off the scene.
    — Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Each picture mode offers essentially the same rich set of options, except for AI-enhanced, which locks you out of some settings (including local contrast and color tuner), presumably because the AI logic is handling those.
    — M. David Stone, PC Magazine, 24 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • How dupes are rewriting what counts as impressive Traditional luxury has always leaned on exclusivity, recognizable branding and premium prices.
    — Ashley Lynch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Oct. 2026
  • There is a long history of political leaders and cartographers using place naming to assert raw power by rewriting the world map.
    — Reuben Rose-Redwood, Time, 23 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The findings could help scientists understand the limits of Einstein’s theory of general relativity and investigate whether black holes can behave in ways that challenge our current understanding of the universe.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2026
  • In quantum physics, particles behave differently than us mortals.
    — Shayla Love, Vox, 25 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • For years, federal lawmakers have tried to remedy this issue, said Sabrina Corlette, a research professor and co-director of Georgetown University's Center on Health Insurance Reforms.
    — Stephanie O'Neill, NPR, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Dutch hardware brand Fairphone has been remedying this for a few years now, with its line of gadgets that are designed to be repaired and used for years longer than usual.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 17 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Amend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/amend. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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