amended; amending; amends

transitive verb

1
: to put right
especially : to make emendations in (something, such as a text)
amended the manuscript
2
a
: to change or modify (something) for the better : improve
amend the situation
b
: to alter especially in phraseology
especially : to alter formally by modification, deletion, or addition
amend a constitution

intransitive verb

: to reform oneself
amender noun

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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.

Choose the Right Synonym for amend

correct, rectify, emend, remedy, redress, amend, reform, revise mean to make right what is wrong.

correct implies taking action to remove errors, faults, deviations, defects.

correct your spelling

rectify implies a more essential changing to make something right, just, or properly controlled or directed.

rectify a misguided policy

emend specifically implies correction of a text or manuscript.

emend a text

remedy implies removing or making harmless a cause of trouble, harm, or evil.

set out to remedy the evils of the world

redress implies making compensation or reparation for an unfairness, injustice, or imbalance.

redress past social injustices

amend, reform, revise imply an improving by making corrective changes, amend usually suggesting slight changes

amend a law

, reform implying drastic change

plans to reform the court system

, and revise suggesting a careful examination of something and the making of necessary changes.

revise the schedule

Examples of amend in a Sentence

The country's constitution was amended to allow women to vote. They voted to amend the law in 1920. He tried to amend the situation by apologizing to me.
Recent Examples on the Web In 2018, China amended its National Intelligence Law, which requires any organization or citizen to support, assist and cooperate with national intelligence work. Laura He, CNN, 18 Mar. 2024 An original version of that bill included titanium dioxide, which is found in Skittles, but it was amended in the Senate and taken out of the legislation. Caitlin O'Kane, CBS News, 14 Mar. 2024 The board amended it, sometimes narrowing and sometimes expanding its definition of joint employer, in 1982, 2002, 2007, 2018 and 2020, before the latest version was issued in October. Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2024 Youngkin has options for bringing it back to life, most likely by submitting a bill or a budget amendment when lawmakers return to Richmond on April 17 to take up measures vetoed or amended by the governor. Laura Vozzella, Washington Post, 10 Mar. 2024 An idea to eliminate the tampon tax, which was amended into Senate Bill 256 on the House side, didn't make the final cut. Brittany Carloni, The Indianapolis Star, 9 Mar. 2024 But supporters agreed to amend the bill to say that Oregon will end daylight saving time only if California and Washington make the same change within the next 10 years. Diba Mohtasham, NPR, 8 Mar. 2024 In other council business on Tuesday, City Council approved a resolution to amend the city’s 2024 pay and benefits ordinance to add the position of Public Safety Director based on a recommendation from the city manager. Jennifer Edwards Baker, The Enquirer, 6 Mar. 2024 Since coming to power in April 2022, the government has passed bills amending the Army Act and Official Secrets Act in ways that broaden the military’s powers. Sarah Khan, Foreign Affairs, 5 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'amend.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French amender, modification of Latin emendare, from e, ex out + menda fault; akin to Latin mendax lying, mendicus beggar, and perhaps to Sanskrit mindā physical defect

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of amend was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near amend

Cite this Entry

“Amend.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/amend. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

amend

verb
1
: to change for the better : improve
2
: to change the wording or meaning of : alter
amend a legislative bill
amendable adjective
amender noun

Legal Definition

amend

transitive verb
1
: to change or modify for the better
2
: to alter especially in the wording
especially : to alter formally by modification, deletion, or addition
amended the statute
amend the complaint to cure the defect
amendable adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on amend

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