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Amend vs. Emend
The question of whether to use amend or emend is a vexing one for many people, complicated by the fact that the words sound quite similar and have meanings that overlap to a considerable degree. Both words can be used with the meanings “to improve” or “to correct,” but there are subtle differences. Emend is most often used in connection with changes to some form of written material, such as a text or manuscript; while such documents may also be described as amended, amend can apply to improvements or corrections made to things other than writing, as in “he amended his behavior.” The confusion is compounded by the fact that one of the most frequently encountered uses of amend is in reference to a document: the Constitution of the United States.
Examples of amend in a Sentence
Lexi Lonas Cochran, The Hill, 4 Apr. 2025
Indeed, Macmillan and Ostermeier keep on eye on current events and amend their script as and when significant news emerges.
—Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 4 Apr. 2025
However, in 2022, the Video Gaming Act was amended to allow fraternal and veteran establishments to apply for a video gaming license, even in municipalities where video gambling is banned.
—Samantha Moilanen, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2025
Now that the State Constitution will be amended, undoing the requirement becomes much more difficult.
—Reid J. Epstein, New York Times, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for amend
Cite this Entry
“Amend.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/amend. Accessed 10 Apr. 2025.
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