dilate

verb

Definition of dilatenext
as in to distend

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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 As the polymer expands, the tiny pores dilate, allowing larger molecules to slip through. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 18 June 2026 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 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
  • The Federal Trade Commission and attorneys general from 22 states are suing Amazon, alleging that the tech giant secretly inflated the prices businesses paid to advertise products on its platforms.
    — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026
  • The shifting mix is likely being driven by a high capital share of productivity – essentially faster technology investment cycles – but investors caution that stock values relative to other assets are likely being inflated as a result.
    — Tobias Burns, CNBC, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of inflate
Verb
  • There are also increasing concerns that the Russia-Ukraine war could escalate, amid reports that CIA chief John Ratcliffe have made a secretive Moscow trip to warn Russia against attacking NATO.
    — Justina Lee, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Friday starts dry in the Twin Cities with clouds and temperatures increasing through the afternoon.
    — Joseph Dames, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of increase
Verb
  • In future windows, a younger, faster centre-back feels required to augment an ageing cohort, with Burn and Fabian Schar both 34 and only Malick Thiaw possessing much pace.
    — Chris Waugh, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Every solution is designed to augment human expertise rather than replace it, ensuring AI strengthens decision-making while maintaining accountability, transparency, and trust.
    — Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of augment
Verb
  • Japan’s Inpex, for example, formed a joint venture to expand its LNG investment in Australia’s Northern Territory.
    — Katie Silver, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026
  • While most of its stores are in mainland China, the company had 4,378 stores overseas as of end-June and has been expanding into new markets, including central Asia and the Americas.
    — Jenny Lee, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of expand
Verb
  • Measles can cause a baby’s spleen to enlarge and the fibrous tissue around the organ to thin.
    — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Melting glaciers can feed and enlarge glacial lakes, increasing the potential for sudden floods.
    — Sibi Arasu, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of enlarge
Verb
  • Each morning at the crack of dawn, in one of the great Instagram moments of our time, 165 enormous balloons begin to swell in Cappadocia's half-light, their burners briefly illuminating the valley floor.
    — Scott Campbell, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Sep. 2026
  • But the administration, led by Deputy Defense Secretary Steve Feinberg, has pushed ahead, recruiting bankers to help wield a loan authority that has swelled from $1 billion to $200 billion thanks to the recent Republican party-line tax bill.
    — Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of swell
Verb
  • However, with multiple suppliers accelerating expansion, the eventual release of new capacity has raised fears of an inflection point in chip prices, which could threaten current high margins.
    — , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
  • But no one has generated that feeling more than Mahomes, starting with some jaw-dropping throws in his first NFL start in the 2017 regular-season finale and accelerating with his true debut in 2018 with 10 touchdown passes in the first two games.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 28 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 5 Sep. 2026.

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