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 The fund was amended last year to allow the agency to use up to one-third of it – or about $108 million – to meet cash flow needs, pending approval from the director of the Office of Management and Enterprise Services. Jillian Taylor, StateImpact, 30 June 2026 Congress amended the law in 2014 to allow unlimited coordinated spending on certain activities, such as election-recount lawsuits or other legal proceedings. Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 30 June 2026 That’s if District 3 Commissioner Rolando Escalona’s proposal to amend the city code passes July 9, when the Miami City Commission is slated to vote on it. Max Klaver, Miami Herald, 1 July 2026 The Republican National Committee began laying the groundwork earlier this year, voting at its winter meeting in January to make such an event possible by amending procedures centered around quadrennial presidential nominating conventions. ABC News, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for amend
Recent Examples of Synonyms for amend
Verb
  • Kyle Schwarber is threatening home run records, even as pitching continues to improve.
    Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026
  • Jupiter enters your 6th House of Work and Health, encouraging kinder routines that improve well-being and lighten daily tasks.
    Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • Hiltz gushed about how other athletes will correct anyone who misgenders Hiltz.
    Lindsay Schnell, New York Times, 5 July 2026
  • Along with the main shades in the lineup, there are seven color-correcting options that neutralize, brighten, and leave skin looking more refined.
    Tanya Sharma, InStyle, 4 July 2026
Verb
  • But AfD is capitalizing on the unpopularity of a government that is trying to reform the sluggish economy.
    ABC News, ABC News, 4 July 2026
  • Most of the statue was melted down and reformed into musket balls, and several of these are on display in the opening section of the show across from four large intact pieces of the original.
    Cat Dawson, ARTnews.com, 3 July 2026
Verb
  • More than 30 Will County schools will receive funds to enhance security thanks to $129,777 in grants awarded by the county from the state’s cannabis sales tax revenue.
    Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
  • Rainy weather driving tips Switch on headlights - Even during daylight hours, using headlights can enhance visibility and signal your presence to other drivers.
    STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 July 2026
Verb
  • Associated Press text, photo, graphic, audio and/or video material shall not be published, broadcast, rewritten for broadcast or publication or redistributed directly or indirectly in any medium.
    Jack Schnedler, Arkansas Online, 6 July 2026
  • This World Cup has been remarkable for FIFA under Infantino seeming to rewrite the norms of disciplinary action even before the tournament began.
    ABC News, ABC News, 6 July 2026
Verb
  • The simple threat of regulatory action is now enough to impact how media outlets behave.
    Max Tani, semafor.com, 6 July 2026
  • Different alloy systems will behave differently, and mixing is only one part of the challenge.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 July 2026
Verb
  • The Supreme Court handed down a decision in April that gutted a key provision of the Voting Rights Act meant to remedy efforts to disenfranchise minority voters.
    ABC News, ABC News, 2 July 2026
  • To remedy that, Sporting KC has welcomed three new defenders this summer.
    Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 2 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Amend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/amend. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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