DILATE Synonyms: 71 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

dilate

verb

Definition of dilate

as in to distend

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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 sudden temperature change causes blood vessels in the palate to constrict and then rapidly dilate as warm blood flows into the area to restore normal tissue temperature. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 Aug. 2026 An autopsy found the cause of death was dilated cardiomyopathy, a disease of the heart muscle that can lead to heart failure, with morbid obesity listed as a contributing factor, according to prosecutors. — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 27 June 2026 As the polymer expands, the tiny pores dilate, allowing larger molecules to slip through. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 18 June 2026 If a cheap pair reduces visible light but fails to block ultraviolet rays properly, the pupil can dilate in response to the darker tint while still allowing harmful UV exposure through. — Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 10 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for dilate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dilate

Verb

Films today tend to err on the side of length in a way that can feel like fiction being distended.

— Elissa Suh, Vogue, 6 Oct. 2026
But the groaning synthesizer underneath her bashful smile tells you something is off — a crystalline tone now distended, unnerving.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 21 July 2026

Definition of distend

Verb

The suit seeks to represent a class of schools that purchased athletic equipment in Mississippi and Louisiana at what is purported to be fraudulently inflated prices.

— Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 27 Oct. 2026
Still, optimists seem to be ruling the market, said Hendricks, so AI companies’ valuations are likely to keep inflating to unprecedented levels.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of inflate

Verb

Kim Hong-Cheol, the South Korean military official, said leaving the dispute over the military demarcation line unresolved would increase the risk of accidental clashes because troops from both sides act on their own understanding of the line.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 24 Oct. 2026
As rain chances increase overnight, the temperature will drop to 40 degrees.

— Hali Smith October 23, Idaho Statesman, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of increase

Verb

To prepare for this week’s storms, the Los Angeles Fire Department has augmented resources to help with swift-water rescues and mud and debris flows, with a specific focus on burn scar areas, according to a news release from Mayor Karen Bass.

— Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
Trump’s flexible realism also entails recognizing the need to form bespoke coalitions of the willing to augment the United Nations and other large multilateral institutions.

— Charles Kupchan, Foreign Affairs, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of augment

Verb

An interceptor that can engage targets at greater distances could expand the area protected by existing air defense units.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026
Founded by three childhood friends, Olivier Bon, Pierre-Charles Cros, and Romée de Gorianoff, who were later joined by Xavier Padovani, the Experimental Group gradually expanded to encompass wine bars, restaurants, and boutique hotels.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of expand

Verb

The blood vessels in the membrane over the eye, the conjunctiva, were enlarged, making his eyes look red.

— Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 26 Oct. 2026
All that surrounding light can actually work to enlarge the center stone on a visual level, also adding texture to the piece without overshadowing its main draw.

— Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of enlarge

Verb

Then the shuttle appears on screen, the music swells and the room shakes with the tearing, rumbling force of a launch.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026
The team said Tuesday morning that two-time defensive player of the year Kawhi Leonard will be re-evaluated in a week due to swelling in his left knee.

— Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of swell

Verb

The car can accelerate from zero-60 in less than a second and perform feats that once belonged in science fiction.

— Rick Lazio, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
The company says the changes are intended to make electric vehicles more affordable while accelerating development and manufacturing.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of accelerate

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

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Synonyms of dilate

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