dilate

verb

Definition of dilatenext
as in to distend

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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 If a cheap pair reduces visible light but fails to block ultraviolet rays properly, the pupil can dilate in response to the darker tint while still allowing harmful UV exposure through. — Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 10 June 2026 Glucose is released into the bloodstream to provide energy, and blood vessels dilate and increase flow to muscles. — Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 3 June 2026 There are a few different ways in which magnesium helps to lower blood pressure, mostly through allowing arteries to relax and dilate. — Jennifer Berger, Verywell Health, 1 June 2026 Nitrate-rich vegetables like leafy greens and beets support nitric oxide production which dilates blood vessels. — Allison Palmer, Miami Herald, 28 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for dilate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dilate
  1. distend
  2. inflate
  3. increase
  4. augment
  5. expand
  6. enlarge
  7. swell
  8. accelerate
Verb
  • But the groaning synthesizer underneath her bashful smile tells you something is off — a crystalline tone now distended, unnerving.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 21 July 2026
  • Fiber slows gastric emptying, making the stomach more distended.
    — Amy Brownstein, Verywell Health, 27 May 2026
Definition of distend
Verb
  • Washington’s preoccupation with its own domestic politics, inattention to the region’s nuances, and inflated fears of Chinese and Russian advances all made the United States an easy mark for manipulative local powers.
    — MARC LYNCH, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The connected tank holds just about enough air to inflate one of the unit's tires from nearly empty, or all four from off-road/air-down to fully aired up.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of inflate
Verb
  • Traffic through the strait is beginning to increase, but remains sharply depressed.
    — Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Boston increased its lead to 6-4 in the sixth on an RBI triple from Abreu when right fielder Jung Hoo Lee misplayed a line drive.
    — Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of increase
Verb
  • It is not yet known whether the Mets will augment their front office.
    — Will Sammon, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Will the tool augment and strengthen you as a teacher, useful as a tool for your work?
    — Peter Greene, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of augment
Verb
  • Earlier this month, Spotify announced plans to expand its own AI labeling, focusing on telling users when an artist is artificial rather than specific songs.
    — James Peckham, PC Magazine, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Longtime American soccer reporter Pablo Maurer’s story outlines a potential 20-team competition that expands the postseason field by two while also adding incentives for teams to finish higher in the table.
    — Ian Nicholas Quillen, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of expand
Verb
  • Kim has boosted his military and diplomatic credentials in recent years by enlarging his nuclear arsenal and aligning with Russia over its war against Ukraine.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The Cleveland Clinic describes it as a condition where the heart is enlarged and has trouble pumping blood.
    — Callum Sutherland, Time, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of enlarge
Verb
  • Loose rocks, chunks of concrete and rusted metal are among the items that have emerged as powerful storm swells remove layers of sand along Newport Beach.
    — Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Pain, swelling around a joint, and stiffness in the muscles or ligaments around the joint are just some reasons movement may become restricted.
    — RikkiLynn Shields Hannigan, HEALTH, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of swell
Verb
  • Broadcom sits roughly 50% below its average Wall Street price target while the AI infrastructure build-out continues to accelerate.
    — Jeff Kilburg, CNBC, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The trend of declining foreign enrollment could accelerate after recent changes to decades-old policies limiting the ability of visa holders to change majors, switch schools and remain in the US after graduation.
    — Bloomberg, Mercury News, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of accelerate

Browse Nearby Words

dilatations
dilate
dilated
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Cite this Entry

“Dilate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dilate. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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