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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 Jackson has since amended her reports, the letter noted. Nate Raymond, USA TODAY, 4 Jan. 2025 The first paragraph of this article was amended to clarify the map refers to wind chill rather than temperatures. Dan Perry, Newsweek, 3 Jan. 2025 The district entered the process to crosscheck books and materials based on the state legislature's changes to amend the Age-Appropriate Materials Act of 2022. Andy Humbles, The Tennessean, 30 Dec. 2024 The bald eagle is now officially the national bird of the U.S. after President Biden signed into law legislation amending a code to formally recognize the previously unofficial American emblem. Rebecca Falconer, Axios, 24 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for amend 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for amend
Verb
  • This rule is another opportunity to improve our air quality and protect public health while supporting a thriving restaurant industry.
    Michael Seilback, New York Daily News, 14 Jan. 2025
  • Doing regular physical activity, such as walking, cycling, or strength training, to improve insulin sensitivity and help manage weight gain (as obesity is a significant risk factor for type 2 diabetes).
    Carisa Brewster, Verywell Health, 14 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • This story has been corrected to show that Berkowitz works at Georgetown University, not George Washington University.
    CBS News, CBS News, 17 Jan. 2025
  • Keep an open mind when your partner, family members or friends point out differences in your parenting and be ready to correct it.
    Madeline Holcombe, CNN, 16 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
  • Beckham has been a brand ambassador for Tudor since 2017 and has been seen wearing a wide range of Tudor models in various settings, using his style and status to enhance Tudor’s image and reach.
    Sophie Furley, Robb Report, 18 Jan. 2025
  • For students, the key is to leverage these tools thoughtfully—to enhance, not replace, their authentic efforts.
    Sarah Hernholm, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
    Alex Gangitano, The Hill, 17 Jan. 2025
  • 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.
    Janet B. Carson, arkansasonline.com, 17 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Those who turned inward eventually implode and behave in unthinkable ways.
    Tamara Conniff, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Jan. 2025
  • The differences don’t end there—the researchers also argue that Pluto and Charon are less likely to behave like fluid during a collision.
    Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • In order to remedy that, her nonprofit and Howdy Homemade entered into a franchise agreement to open a local store — with more to come.
    Jenna Thompson, Kansas City Star, 17 Jan. 2025
  • The settlement is one of several steps that the Biden administration has taken to remedy the effects of policies felt by L.G.B.T.Q. service members for decades.
    Aishvarya Kavi, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near amend

Cite this Entry

“Amend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/amend. Accessed 24 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on amend

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