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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

Examples 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 In 2018, Scott proposed creating the fund by amending the Baltimore City Charter. Julian Baron, Baltimore Sun, 26 Nov. 2024 His co-defendants' death sentences were eventually amended to life sentences after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that executing juveniles is unconstitutional. Erik Ortiz, NBC News, 22 Nov. 2024 The Texas Supreme Court affirmed that the laws, which were passed in the early 1900s and amended in 1925, could be enforced. Bayliss Wagner, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024 The motion asks for a dismissal without any chance to amend. Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 21 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for amend 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for amend
Verb
  • To improve insulin sensitivity: Diabetes is a huge threat.
    Fred Sassani, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
  • Following the explosion and the resulting fire, a man and woman in their 70s were hospitalized in serious condition with severe burns, although both had improved by Wednesday afternoon to stable condition, Allen said.
    Bill Laytner, Detroit Free Press, 21 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • It has also been updated to correct the length of Sheriff Dannels’ career to 40 years in law enforcement.
    David Culver, CNN, 21 Nov. 2024
  • This article was updated to correct the name of the Farmer's Dog.
    Matt Robison, Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Your brother is presumably a grown-up, entrenched in his prejudices, and arguing is less likely to reform him than to spoil family gatherings.
    Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 26 Nov. 2024
  • But the City Council has refused, instead insisting that the city can reform its police force on its own.
    Taylor Seely, The Arizona Republic, 22 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Perfect pairings: As an Eau de Toilette, Cherry Blossom benefits significantly from thoughtful layering to enhance its delicate nature and extend its presence throughout the day.
    Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 22 Nov. 2024
  • This will allow telcos to establish themselves as trusted partners in their business customers’ digital transformation, enhancing engagement and boosting retention while remaining profitable, innovative and resilient for years to come.
    Carmen Ene, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024
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.
    Helaine Williams, arkansasonline.com, 23 Nov. 2024
  • Neurodivergent talent is already here, ready to rewrite the rules.
    Ludmila Praslova, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Go down 1,000 miles (1,600 kilometers), and the hot, dense gas begins to behave strangely.
    Benjamin Roulston, Discover Magazine, 7 Nov. 2024
  • And, as today’s email reminds us, there’s no reason to expect Trump to behave any differently if elected to a second term.
    Zach Everson, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • The challenge for Mercedes will be to finally remedy its struggles with its car under this generation of regulations.
    Luke Smith, The Athletic, 24 Nov. 2024
  • Irreparable harm ordinarily means a kind of harm that money damages can’t remedy.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 24 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near amend

Cite this Entry

“Amend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/amend. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.

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