better 1 of 4

better

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adverb

as in more
to a greater or higher extent he knows property law better than anyone else

Synonyms & Similar Words

better

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noun

better

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word better distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of better are ameliorate, help, and improve. While all these words mean "to make more acceptable or to bring nearer a standard," improve and better are general and interchangeable and apply to what can be made better whether it is good or bad.

measures to further improve the quality of medical care
immigrants hoping to better their lot

When might ameliorate be a better fit than better?

The synonyms ameliorate and better are sometimes interchangeable, but ameliorate implies making more tolerable or acceptable conditions that are hard to endure.

tried to ameliorate the lives of people in the tenements

When can help be used instead of better?

The words help and better can be used in similar contexts, but help implies a bettering that still leaves room for improvement.

a coat of paint would help that house

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 better
Adjective
The White House, ahead of the speech, paired police reform with bringing down violence, suggesting that giving police better training tools could lead to less crime nationwide. Zeke Miller and, BostonGlobe.com, 7 Feb. 2023 Buschatzke and others argue that a better and more equitable approach would be to start accounting for evaporation and other water losses from the reservoirs and along the river in the Lower Basin. Los Angeles Times, 7 Feb. 2023
Adverb
In related news, Emma Foehringer Merchant wrote a fascinating story for Undark about researchers creating a repository of birds and bats killed at solar and wind farms, to better understand why they’re getting killed and how to prevent it. Sammy Rothstaff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 7 Feb. 2023 Last year, the office held listening sessions in Grove Hall, Roxbury, Mattapan, and Jamaica Plain to better understand the needs of women and gender-expansive individuals. Tiana Woodard, BostonGlobe.com, 7 Feb. 2023
Noun
In the dance of love there are no betters — there is only the pursuit of radical equality. Jimi Calhoun, Austin American-Statesman, 16 Apr. 2024 Conversely, credit card delinquencies declined for sports betters, a trend that showed up a couple years after legalization and surprised Hollenbeck. Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 26 July 2024
Verb
The decision to allow Qatar to provide funds for Hamas, ostensibly for governing and bettering the lives of civilians, ultimately proved to have disastrous consequences. Mike Brest, The Washington Examiner, 9 June 2025 For the record, McCormick has bettered her teammate and year-round training partner on occasion. Glae Thien, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for better
Recent Examples of Synonyms for better
Adjective
  • That bond is what makes this so special every summer.
    Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 26 June 2025
  • These days, shapewear isn't just reserved for special occasions.
    Michelle Rostamian, People.com, 26 June 2025
Adverb
  • Second, sugarcane is more effective at sequestering carbon than corn.
    SJ Studio, Sourcing Journal, 16 June 2025
  • This year, however, many turned their prayers on a more immediate target.
    Paola Flores, Los Angeles Times, 16 June 2025
Noun
  • Martian clashes over tactics with his superior (Jeffrey Wright), who tussles with his superior (Richard Gere) while their superior, the director of the CIA (Dominic West), periodically beams in from Washington, D.C., to cast doubt over the entire high-risk operation.
    Hugh Hart, Los Angeles Times, 17 June 2025
  • Richie ends up attempting to plan a hit on Tony, but after his request is denied by mob superiors, Uncle Junior tips Tony off.
    Skyler Trepel, People.com, 10 June 2025
Noun
  • In contrast, a great culture can be a strategic advantage.
    Chris Williams, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
  • Butts said drones give U.S. troops a major advantage as infantry units can use them to look over obstacles.
    Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 18 June 2025
Verb
  • That deal could have reached as high as £89m (€100m) were subsequent clauses met; the amounts guaranteed on the sale of Wirtz have already exceeded that figure.
    Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 21 June 2025
  • Annual interest payments now already exceed $1 trillion, and JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon has called it a red flag.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • After four weeks, his strength, sensitivity and coordination had improved, according to Thomas.
    Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 19 June 2025
  • His case improves significantly if Sovereignty and Fierceness split their efforts or falter down the stretch.
    Jared Welch, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025
Adjective
  • On the pitching side, Tampa Bay’s greatest advantage has been exceptional durability.
    Daniel R. Epstein, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
  • Danny Boyle is a director known for his exceptional use of music to score key — and now iconic — scenes in his films.
    Alex Ritman, Variety, 25 June 2025
Noun
  • The group assembled in Romare Bearden Park shortly after 6 p.m., just barely outnumbering a dozen city police officers stationed in clusters around the area’s edge.
    Lila Hempel-Edgers, Charlotte Observer, 27 June 2025
  • Cook, undisturbed, until pancake edges are dry and bubbles begin to form on surface, about 3 minutes.
    Elizabeth Nelson, Southern Living, 27 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Better.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/better. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

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