AMELIORATE Synonyms: 57 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'ameliorate' distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of ameliorate are better , help , and improve . While all these words mean "to make more acceptable or to bring nearer a standard," ameliorate implies making more tolerable or acceptable conditions that are hard to endure. // tried to ameliorate the lives of people in the tenements

Q: When is 'help' a more appropriate choice than 'ameliorate'?

The meanings of help and ameliorate largely overlap; however, help implies a bettering that still leaves room for improvement. // a coat of paint would help that house

Q: How are the words 'improve' and 'better' related as synonyms of 'ameliorate'?

Both 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

ameliorate

verb

ə-ˈmēl-yə-ˌrāt

Definition of ameliorate next

as in to improve

to make better social legislation that must be given credit for ameliorating the lot of millions of deprived people

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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How is the word ameliorate distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of ameliorate are better, help, and improve. While all these words mean "to make more acceptable or to bring nearer a standard," ameliorate implies making more tolerable or acceptable conditions that are hard to endure.

tried to ameliorate the lives of people in the tenements

When is help a more appropriate choice than ameliorate?

The meanings of help and ameliorate largely overlap; however, help implies a bettering that still leaves room for improvement.

a coat of paint would help that house

How are the words improve and better related as synonyms of ameliorate?

Both 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

Examples of ameliorate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Happily for the animal cause, though, data and research from the public health sector about the dangers of industrial poultry and pig production can ameliorate this tension. —

Jonathan Safran Foer, Vox, 7 Aug. 2024 Wall Street has been on a wild ride the past several days, with a relief rally Tuesday ameliorating some of the damage since recession fears intensified last week. —

Jeff Cox, CNBC, 6 Aug. 2024 The law, which was pulled from consideration last July to be overhauled over the ensuing months, was reintroduced this spring with new language designed to ameliorate industry concerns and clarify a course of action. —

Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 30 July 2024 Among her campaign's top issues are gun reform, reproductive rights, ameliorating child poverty and health care affordability. —

April Rubin, Axios, 25 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for ameliorate

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