Synonym Chooser

How does the verb emend differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of emend are amend, correct, rectify, redress, reform, remedy, and revise. While all these words mean "to make right what is wrong," emend specifically implies correction of a text or manuscript.

emend a text

How is amend related to other words for emend?

Amend, reform, and revise imply an improving by making corrective changes, amend usually suggesting slight changes.

amend a law

In what contexts can correct take the place of emend?

The words correct and emend can be used in similar contexts, but correct implies taking action to remove errors, faults, deviations, defects.

correct your spelling

Where would rectify be a reasonable alternative to emend?

In some situations, the words rectify and emend are roughly equivalent. However, rectify implies a more essential changing to make something right, just, or properly controlled or directed.

rectify a misguided policy

When could redress be used to replace emend?

The synonyms redress and emend are sometimes interchangeable, but redress implies making compensation or reparation for an unfairness, injustice, or imbalance.

redress past social injustices

When can reform be used instead of emend?

While the synonyms reform and emend are close in meaning, reform implies drastic change.

plans to reform the court system

When would remedy be a good substitute for emend?

The meanings of remedy and emend largely overlap; however, remedy implies removing or making harmless a cause of trouble, harm, or evil.

set out to remedy the evils of the world

When is revise a more appropriate choice than emend?

While in some cases nearly identical to emend, revise suggests a careful examination of something and the making of necessary changes.

revise the schedule

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 emend Indeed, DiCarlo has gone the extra mile to promote her company and to emend its image—her image—as required. Lux Alptraum, Wired, 16 Oct. 2020 Editor’s Note: This article has been emended since its initial publication. Madeleine Kearns, National Review, 24 Jan. 2020 Since preservation is no longer an issue, why not amend and emend the rules to play out the final? Jon Wertheim, SI.com, 24 July 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for emend
Verb
  • The Financial Times report said Hutchison could potentially bring in other investors or participants to amend the deal, including terminal operator DP World and Chinese ocean carrier Cosco Shipping.
    Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 3 June 2025
  • The office of California Attorney General Rob Bonta provided a statement to Fox News Digital addressing the U.S. Department of Justice sending a letter warning of a June 9 deadline to amend its policies to bar trans athletes from girls' sports.
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 3 June 2025
Verb
  • This story was changed to correct the address of TheaterWorks Hartford and to update changes in the performance schedule.
    Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 30 May 2025
  • This article was updated to correct the Miami commission seat sought by Tommy Regalado and the policing position held by Joe Carollo.
    Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 30 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Emend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/emend. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on emend

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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