American English

How to pronounce amend

verbB2
uhMEHND

/əˈmɛnd̚/

2 syllables · Stress the second syllable.

to make official changes to a law, agreement, document, or proposal, especially to correct or improve it

Practice out loud

Meanings & examples

verbformal

to make official changes to a law, agreement, document, or proposal, especially to correct or improve it

The committee amended the bill.

They amended the contract to protect both sides.

Good to know

This is a formal word, often used for laws and official documents. For an apology, say “make amends,” not “amend.”

Common phrases & grammar

amend a law · amend the Constitution · amend a contract · amend a bill

[person/organization] + amend(s)/amended + [law/document]

[person/organization] + amend(s)/amended + [law/document] + to + [verb]

Useful expressions

make amends

to apologize or do something to repair the harm you caused

He apologized and tried to make amends.

Related words & forms