DILATE Synonyms: 71 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'dilate' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of dilate are amplify , distend , expand , inflate , and swell . While all these words mean "to increase in size or volume," dilate applies especially to expansion of circumference. // dilated pupils

Q: When is 'amplify' a more appropriate choice than 'dilate'?

In some situations, the words amplify and dilate are roughly equivalent. However, amplify implies the extension or enlargement of something inadequate. // amplify the statement with details

Q: When can 'distend' be used instead of 'dilate'?

The words distend and dilate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, distend implies outward extension caused by pressure from within. // a distended abdomen

Q: Where would 'expand' be a reasonable alternative to 'dilate'?

Although the words expand and dilate have much in common, expand may apply regardless of the manner of increase (such as growth, unfolding, addition of parts). // a business that expands every year

Q: When is it sensible to use 'inflate' instead of 'dilate'?

The synonyms inflate and dilate are sometimes interchangeable, but inflate implies expanding by introduction of air or something insubstantial and suggests a vulnerability to sudden collapse. // an inflated ego

Q: When would 'swell' be a good substitute for 'dilate'?

The words swell and dilate can be used in similar contexts, but swell implies gradual expansion beyond a thing's original or normal limits. // the bureaucracy swelled to unmanageable proportions

dilate

verb

Definition of dilate next

as in to distend

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb dilate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of dilate are amplify, distend, expand, inflate, and swell. While all these words mean "to increase in size or volume," dilate applies especially to expansion of circumference.

dilated pupils

When is amplify a more appropriate choice than dilate?

In some situations, the words amplify and dilate are roughly equivalent. However, amplify implies the extension or enlargement of something inadequate.

amplify the statement with details

When can distend be used instead of dilate?

The words distend and dilate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, distend implies outward extension caused by pressure from within.

a distended abdomen

Where would expand be a reasonable alternative to dilate?

Although the words expand and dilate have much in common, expand may apply regardless of the manner of increase (such as growth, unfolding, addition of parts).

a business that expands every year

When is it sensible to use inflate instead of dilate?

The synonyms inflate and dilate are sometimes interchangeable, but inflate implies expanding by introduction of air or something insubstantial and suggests a vulnerability to sudden collapse.

an inflated ego

When would swell be a good substitute for dilate?

The words swell and dilate can be used in similar contexts, but swell implies gradual expansion beyond a thing's original or normal limits.

the bureaucracy swelled to unmanageable proportions

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 dilate Similar to dilated cardiomyopathy, restrictive cardiomyopathy can have a number of potential causes, including genetic mutations, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy. —

Elizabeth Millard, TIME, 18 Dec. 2024 These health benefits are largely due to flavanols — bioactive compounds found in plants that trigger nitrous oxide production, which then dilates blood vessels and thus decreases blood pressure. —

Rachel Raposas, People.com, 5 Dec. 2024 Jennifer Salcedo, an ob-gyn who left a practice in Honolulu to move to the Valley, recalled that early on she was rushed into an operating room where a physician had attempted to perform a D. & E. but hadn’t fully dilated the woman’s cervix—a mandatory first step. —

Stephania Taladrid, The New Yorker, 25 Nov. 2024 This is because once inside the body, they are converted into nitric oxide, which dilates blood vessels and improves blood circulation. —

Maria Berentzen, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for dilate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dilate

Verb

The Most Exciting New Advances in Managing COPD With another strategy, diaphragmatic breathing, patients concentrate on distending their abdomen while taking in air.

— Matt Fuchs, TIME, 24 Oct. 2024
Abdominal bloating is when the stomach feels full of gas and may become distended (sticks out).

— Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 14 Sep. 2024