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 Here, instead, everything is more dilated in time and there are fewer things on your schedule. —Billboard Italy, Billboard, 16 May 2025 The research adds that simultaneously, a cold plunge can improve circulation by dilating the blood vessels—a win for cardiovascular health, if done regularly. —Mara Santilli, Flow Space, 16 Apr. 2025 Several tests allow ophthalmologists or optometrists to make a diagnosis: Fundus exam: Part of the standard eye exam, the healthcare provider uses special drops to dilate your pupils. —Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 7 Apr. 2025 Before the procedure, your eye doctor will use eye drops to dilate your pupil and numb your eyes to reduce discomfort. —Lindsay Curtis, Health, 6 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dilate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dilate
  1. distend
  2. inflate
  3. augment
  4. increase
  5. expand
  6. enlarge
  7. swell
  8. accelerate
Verb
  • The effect is to both collapse and distend time until all the souls in the book, most of them nameless anyway, exist at the same time, in the same place, forever.
    — Emily Temple, Literary Hub, 3 Mar. 2025
  • Isaiah was also malnourished and dehydrated at the time of his death, with his small and large intestines markedly distended.
    — Sam Tabachnik, Denver Post, 22 Mar. 2017
Definition of distend
Verb
  • Why Markets Haven’t Priced In Mortgage Defaults Markets are still fixated on tech earnings, inflated AI valuations, and the idea of a soft landing.
    — Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025
  • By contrast, an outside report estimated NASCAR in 2024 generated $128 million in value to the city, a figure critics of the event said was inflated.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 10 July 2025
Definition of inflate
Verb
  • Choose solutions that augment human intelligence—leveraging AI, behavioral science and automation to unlock capacity, not just cut costs.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • This is the first of a new type of rideshare program flying to that orbit that augments SpaceX’s Transporter program that flies to SSO.
    — Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 July 2025
Definition of augment
Verb
  • Under such a scenario, production would rapidly increase as would dollars facilitating same.
    — John Tamny, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025
  • The Reserve Bank of India has increased its gold holdings by 35% in the last five years, according to Solomon Global.
    — Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 13 July 2025
Definition of increase
Verb
  • Mari said the strike has now expanded to include Teamsters in California and Washington state, and that upwards of 4,000 union members are now in the midst of a work stoppage.
    — Matthew Medsger, Boston Herald, 14 July 2025
  • Although the company is actively adapting—expanding into energy storage, changing billing models, and tweaking its supply chain—investors continue to be concerned about the pace and effectiveness of these strategic adjustments.
    — Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Definition of expand
Verb
  • It was enlarged over succeeding pontificates to its present size of 55 hectares (136 acres), bigger than Vatican City itself.
    — Dario Artale, Chicago Tribune, 6 July 2025
  • Thus, a subject that in standard Texas histories is often relegated to ongoing competitions among Methodists, Baptists, Catholics, Jews, Lutherans, Mormons and others, has been enlarged to encompass a wider range of interests.
    — Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
Definition of enlarge
Verb
  • After the game, there seemed to be bruising and swelling around it.
    — Brendan Kuty, New York Times, 6 July 2025
  • The phenomenon was accompanied by heavy rainfall that occurred farther north, causing a stream to swell and damage several properties.
    — María de los Ángeles Orfila, Space.com, 5 July 2025
Definition of swell
Verb
  • Whether through the Deloitte Global FoF framework or others, leaders can benefit from taking a structured approach to investing in smart operations and to accelerating the convergence of IT and OT.
    — John England, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
  • Tatum’s injury accelerated the inevitable, as the Celtics offloaded Kristaps Porziņģis and Jrue Holiday in an attempt to drop out of the dreaded second apron.
    — Jared Weiss, New York Times, 8 July 2025
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 18 Jul. 2025.

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