meliorate

verb

me·​lio·​rate ˈmēl-yə-ˌrāt How to pronounce meliorate (audio)
ˈmē-lē-ə-
meliorated; meliorating
melioration
ˌmēl-yə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce meliorate (audio)
ˌmē-lē-ə-
noun
meliorative
ˈmēl-yə-ˌrā-tiv How to pronounce meliorate (audio)
ˈmē-lē-ə-
adjective
meliorator
ˈmēl-yə-ˌrā-tər How to pronounce meliorate (audio)
ˈmē-lē-ə-
noun

Examples of meliorate in a Sentence

regulations intended to meliorate the working conditions of factory workers
Recent Examples on the Web And facing my feelings head-on by engaging with a beautifully observed piece of art helps meliorate the loneliness that goes hand-in-hand with loss. Rachel Wilkerson Miller, SELF, 28 Feb. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'meliorate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin melioratus, past participle of meliorare, from Latin melior better; akin to Latin multus much, Greek mala very

First Known Use

1542, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of meliorate was in 1542

Dictionary Entries Near meliorate

Cite this Entry

“Meliorate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/meliorate. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

meliorate

verb
me·​lio·​rate ˈmēl-yə-ˌrāt How to pronounce meliorate (audio)
ˈmē-lē-ə-
meliorated; meliorating
: to make or become better : improve
melioration
ˌmēl-yə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce meliorate (audio)
ˌmē-lē-ə-
noun
meliorative
ˈmēl-yə-ˌrāt-iv How to pronounce meliorate (audio)
ˈmē-lē-ə-
adjective
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