amplify

verb

am·​pli·​fy ˈam-plə-ˌfī How to pronounce amplify (audio)
amplified; amplifying
Synonyms of amplify

transitive verb

1
: to expand (something, such as a statement) by the use of detail or illustration or by closer analysis
2
a
: to make larger or greater (as in amount, importance, or intensity) : increase
b
: to increase the strength or amount of
especially : to make louder
c
: to cause (a gene or DNA sequence) to undergo amplification

intransitive verb

: to expand one's remarks or ideas

Synonyms of amplify

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expand, amplify, swell, distend, inflate, dilate mean to increase in size or volume.

expand may apply regardless of the manner of increase (such as growth, unfolding, addition of parts).

a business that expands every year

amplify implies the extension or enlargement of something inadequate.

amplify the statement with details

swell implies gradual expansion beyond a thing's original or normal limits.

the bureaucracy swelled to unmanageable proportions

distend implies outward extension caused by pressure from within.

a distended abdomen

inflate implies expanding by introduction of air or something insubstantial and suggests a vulnerability to sudden collapse.

an inflated ego

dilate applies especially to expansion of circumference.

dilated pupils

Examples of amplify in a Sentence

amplify a weak radio signal a receiver that amplified the television signal using spices to amplify the flavors of the food
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Since the late 2010s, this pressure has been inescapably amplified by algorithms, nudging celebrities, influencers, and the people who follow them toward similar aesthetic ideals. — Jaimie Potters, InStyle, 5 Aug. 2026 In addition to her management and producing work, Church-Cooper has served on the leadership committee for the Yes, And Laughter Lab, a nonprofit incubation lab and showcase dedicated to amplifying diverse comedic voices, since 2019. — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 5 Aug. 2026 The sound design — marked by silences, ambient natural sounds such as snowfall and birdsong, the unhurried rhythm of speech, and an original score built on tranquil orchestral elements — amplifies the film’s contemplative tone. — Vanessa Rampton, STAT, 5 Aug. 2026 Opposition leaders, rights activists and some Bollywood celebrities publicly backed the movement, helping amplify its message beyond the protest sites. — ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for amplify

Word History

Etymology

Middle English amplifien "to enlarge, increase," borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French amplifier, borrowed from Latin amplificāre "to increase the size of, augment," from amplus "more than adequate in size or extent, ample" + -i- -i- + -ficāre -fy

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 2a

Time Traveler
The first known use of amplify was in the 14th century

Rhymes for amplify

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Browse Nearby Words

amplifier
amplify
amplifying host
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Cite this Entry

“Amplify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/amplify. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

amplify

verb
am·​pli·​fy ˈam-plə-ˌfī How to pronounce amplify (audio)
amplified; amplifying
1
: enlarge sense 2
especially : to add details or illustrations to
amplify a statement
2
: to increase (voltage, current, or power) in magnitude or strength

Medical Definition

amplify

transitive verb
am·​pli·​fy -ˌfī How to pronounce amplify (audio)
amplified; amplifying
1
: to make larger or greater (as in amount or intensity)
2
: to increase the strength or amount of
especially : to make louder
3
: to cause (a gene or DNA sequence) to undergo amplification

More from Merriam-Webster on amplify

Nglish: Translation of amplify for Spanish Speakers

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