1
2
3
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 If your soil is heavy clay, amend it with compost or choose a different site. Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Jan. 2025 The measure, if approved, would amend the county charter to allow the Board of Supervisors to remove a sitting sheriff through 2028, coinciding with the end of Corpus’ term. Ryan MacAsero, The Mercury News, 17 Jan. 2025 The caregiver, Patricia Anna Santos-Duvalier, was initially charged with financial exploitation and abuse of an elderly or disabled person in March and April 2023, but those charges were recently amended after the daughter was found dead in her front yard in October, Ozark County prosecutors said. Kate Linderman, Kansas City Star, 15 Jan. 2025 As with Hardaway and Mourning, amends eventually were made, with O’Neal’s No. 32 Heat jersey retired in 2016, with O’Neal going on to become a spokesman for Heat owner Micky Arison’s Carnival Cruise Line. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 15 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for amend 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for amend
Verb
  • Vitamin D supplements may improve joint pain in people with vitamin D deficiency.
    Lindsay Curtis, Health, 26 Jan. 2025
  • Cooper Flagg scored 24 points, grabbed seven rebounds and dished out six assists playing 39 of 40 minutes in the Duke Blue Devils’ 63-56 victory over the Wake Forest Demon Deacons on Saturday. Duke, the No. 2 team in the nation, improved to 17-2 and 9-0 against ACC opponents.
    Ryan Gaydos, Fox News, 26 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • And so, even our mothers and grandmothers might stand corrected on their makeup techniques.
    Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 30 Jan. 2025
  • This article has been updated to correct the spelling of Lily Zhang’s name.
    Jessica Golden, CNBC, 29 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • So are they reformed and rehabilitated and no longer a threat to democracy, no longer a threat to society?
    Sarah Fortinsky, The Hill, 21 Jan. 2025
  • What's next: Congress passed new legislation aimed at reforming the process at the end of 2022.
    Peter Sullivan, Axios, 16 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Here’s what to look for: Includes 27 vitamins and minerals to enhance nutrition Smooth consistency when mixed with water Higher cost per serving Flavors may be too rich for some Huel Complete Protein powder is a solid all-around option for anyone looking for a balanced, quick nutrition boost.
    Jordan Galloway, SELF, 30 Jan. 2025
  • Tennant explains that, in recent years, compression socks have become a staple for triathletes and marathon runners looking to enhance performance and recovery.
    Sandra Rose Salathe, Flow Space, 30 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Through a series of legally dubious executive orders, Trump has effectively declared himself above the law, free to ignore Congress, and rewrite constitutional interpretation at will.
    Jonathan Granoff, Newsweek, 29 Jan. 2025
  • This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
    Julia Manchester, The Hill, 29 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Even Agnes, who stands to earn the film an X rating with her carnal extracurricular activities, behaves in ugly ways.
    Peter Debruge, Variety, 24 Jan. 2025
  • This misperception can contribute to relational tension, as these individuals may overreact or behave defensively, interpreting a neutral response as a form of rejection.
    Mark Travers, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The winter storm will help remedy the snow deficit in some New York areas, such as Buffalo, NWS meteorologist Dan Kelly previously told Newsweek.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 31 Jan. 2025
  • This bill aims to remedy these flaws, promote responsible reporting, and establish a safer, more reliable framework for families navigating separation.
    Chris Felder, Sun Sentinel, 30 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near amend

Cite this Entry

“Amend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/amend. Accessed 4 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on amend

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!