best

adjective \ ˈbest \

|Updated on: 16 Aug 2018

Examples: best in a Sentence

Definition of best

superlative of good

1 : excelling all others

the best student in the class

2 : most productive of good : offering or producing the greatest advantage, utility, or satisfaction

What is the best thing to do?

3 : most, largest

It rained for the best part of their vacation.

See best defined for English-language learners

See best defined for kids

Examples of best in a Sentence

You should wear your best clothes tonight.
We ate the best food and drank the best wines.
His modesty and sense of humor are his best qualities.
Is that your best offer?
Which of these do you think tastes best?
Mary sends you her very best wishes.
She's the best student in her class.
He won the award for best actor in a drama.
She truly believes that this is the best way to solve the problem.
She's the team's best hope for a medal.

Recent Examples of best from the Web

One such delightful find is Café Forgot, a pop-up shop concept founded by best friends and New York natives Vita Haas and Lucy Weisner.

— brooke bobb, Vogue, "These Two Best Friends Turned a High School Fashion Club Into an Avant-Garde Pop-Up Shop," 6 July 2018
The luckiest girl in the world to be best friends with your cousins and have the most magical parties together!

— kathryn lindsay, refinery29.com, "Why Did Kim & Kanye Do This For Chicago But Not North & Saint?," 3 July 2018
Elle Evans is best friends with Lee Flynn, who has an older brother named Noah.

— victoria rodriguez, Seventeen, "Why "The Kissing Booth" Star Joey King Isn't Posting As Many Couple-y Pics With BF Jacob Elordi," 29 June 2018
Philipps and Bryant play her supportive best friends, and Williams serves as Renee’s new boss, makeup magnate Avery LeClair.

— dana rose falcone, PEOPLE.com, "Michelle Williams Punches Herself in the Forehead 'Hard' in Wild I Feel Pretty Gag Reel," 29 June 2018
But Liberty, the only Black girl in the drama’s original cast, was grappling with impossible situations during her series’ heyday right along with her fictional best friends.

— refinery29.com, "Let's Put Some Respect On Liberty Van Zandt's Name, Degrassi Fans," 15 June 2018
But by the end of the summer, one of the brothers had become best friends with a boy with autism.

— page leggett, charlotteobserver, "Campers and counselors benefit from this camp that welcomes those with disabilities," 7 June 2018
Others, like Samantha Grady and Helena Ramsay, were best friends.

— New York Times, "‘Are We Going to Die Today?’ Inside a Parkland Classroom as Bullets Flew," 6 June 2018
The Herta-Andretti Autosport driver ripped off a series-best time of 1:14.8514 in the closing minute of the second qualifying session.

— jim ayello, Indianapolis Star, "IndyCar Belle Isle: Marco Andretti wins first pole since 2013," 2 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'best.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of best

Middle English, from Old English betst; akin to Old English bōt remedy — more at better

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

best

adverb

Definition of best

superlative of well

1 : in the best (see ¹best) way : to greatest advantage

Some things are best left unsaid.

2 : most

Those best able will provide needed support.

— as best

: as well, skillfully, or accurately as

Try to do it as best you can.

See best defined for English-language learners

Examples of best in a Sentence

The sauce is best served cold.
They work best under pressure.
That's what we do best!
We need to think about how best to fix this problem.
The work should be done by the people who are best able to do it.
She's best suited to life in the city.
He is best known for his invention of the lightbulb.
The museum features some of the best-known examples of this style of painting.

Recent Examples of best from the Web

The best-case scenario is that the city allows developers to fight it out in the canyon.

— david hansen, latimes.com, "Laguna Beach tries to map out its cultural mojo," 10 July 2018
Her first two books, looking at the inner workings of the White House from the staff’s perspective and telling the story of First Ladies spanning Jackie Kennedy to Michelle Obama, became best-sellers.

— erik spanberg, The Christian Science Monitor, "'First In Line' profiles modern vice presidents from Nixon to Pence," 9 July 2018
The best-case scenario did not present itself for the Diamondbacks on Friday.

— nick piecoro, azcentral, "How D-Backs failed to sign their top pick – and what it means going forward," 6 July 2018
Whether runners decide to brave the heat or take their sport inside to a treadmill, lightweight fabrics and accessories are the best-case outfit scenario.

— katie devlin, Vogue, "The Best Clothes to Work Out (and Sweat) in All Summer," 5 July 2018
The brand is currently offering up to 70% off its makeup selection, including best-sellers from the Rainforest Of The Sea and Tarteist collections, gift sets, and even travel-sized options perfect for the holiday week.

— refinery29.com, "Tarte Is Coming in Hot With A 70% Off Summer Makeup Sale," 3 July 2018
But each option has a best-case scenario that comes along with it.

— mike finger, San Antonio Express-News, "As hope of perfect outcome fades, Spurs face a choice," 2 July 2018
James’s new best-case scenario likely involves teaming with Leonard and DeMarcus Cousins in LA.

— ben golliver, SI.com, "Paul George’s Quick Decision Begs Question: Are LeBron’s Best Recruiting Days Behind Him?," 1 July 2018
The 1994 best-seller has now been made into a movie, starring Paul Rudd.

— michael o’sullivan, kansascity, "Paul Rudd’s ‘The Catcher Was a Spy’ bobbles a fascinating real-life story," 28 June 2018

Origin and Etymology of best

see ¹best

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

best

noun

Definition of best

plural best

1 : the best (see ¹best) state or part

You haven't heard the best of it.

2 : one that is best

the best falls short

saved the best for last

3 : the greatest degree of good or excellence

He's at his best in front of a live audience.

democracy at its best

4 a : one's maximum effort

do your best

b : a best performance or achievement

ran a new personal best

5 : best clothes

wearing their Sunday best

— at best

: under the most favorable circumstances

won't be finished for another three months at best

At best, you will earn back what you paid in.

He's an average writer at best.

… was among the worst schools in a city whose public education could be described as struggling, at best.
—Ann Carrns

— get the best of

: to overcome or outdo (someone or something) : to get the better of

The hero got the best of the villain in the end.

I let my emotions get the best of me and said something I regret.

Let's face it: As much as we like to eat healthy, the old sweet tooth sometimes gets the best of us.
—Denise I. O'Neal

See best defined for English-language learners

Examples of best in a Sentence

Out of all of my workers, he's the best.
Our company is the best in the business.
Thanks, Dad. You're the best!
I have one more gift for you, and I saved the best for last.
Bad things happen to the best of us.
They want the best for their children.
Even in the best of times, we had trouble paying our bills.
In the best of all possible worlds, no one would be without food and clean water.
I have a wonderful family and a great job, so I feel that I have the best of both worlds.
He did his best to help them.

Recent Examples of best from the Web

Record high temperature of 90 bests 89 from 1991 and 1982.

— matt rogers, Washington Post, "Super sweaty and super stormy: May ranked among the top 10 warmest and wettest on record in Washington," 1 June 2018
Both performances were personal bests by more than a foot.

— steve reaven, chicagotribune.com, "Boys track notes: Zach Sheasby makes a big leap to become state-qualifying jumper," 18 May 2018
Both sums are new career bests, surpassing the entrance of Bentley's last LP, Black, which debuted at No. 1 on the chart dated June18, 2017, with 101,000 units (88,000 in traditional album sales).

— jim asker, Billboard, "Dierks Bentley & Sugarland Debut on Top Country Albums Chart," 19 June 2018
This was one of the most heartbreaking scenes of the entire series to date, and a personal best from Jordan.

— sydney bucksbaum, The Hollywood Reporter, "DC TV Watch: 'Gotham' Reveals New Joker's Surprising Demeanor," 5 May 2018
Tatis – who also walked and stole his 14th base – is hitting .284/.360/.518 with a Texas League-bests in total bases (162) and runs scored (71).

— jeff sanders, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Tatis swats 15th homer with Missions; July 2 signing period opens," 3 July 2018
His 1,124 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns both were career bests.

— christopher dabe, NOLA.com, "Saints' Mark Ingram joins NFL Network list of top 100 players for 2018," 28 May 2018
Wilson, who played quarterback at Port St. Lucie High School and wide receiver at Georgia State, had career bests in reception (42), yards (554) and touchdowns (three) last season for the Chiefs.

— chris perkins, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Dolphins to sign Kansas City WR Albert Wilson, per report," 13 Mar. 2018
Those who, like Henwood, competed at a very high level in their youth, will obviously have a tough time setting new personal bests in their 40s.

— martin fritz huber, Outside Online, "How to Set Running Goals as You Age," 27 June 2018

Origin and Etymology of best

see ¹best

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

in the meaning defined at sense 2

See Words from the same year

best Synonyms

Synonyms

aristocracy, choice, cream, crème de la crème, elect, elite, fat, flower, pick, pride, prime, royalty, upper crust;

Near Antonyms

commoners, herd, hoi polloi, masses, millions, mob, multitude, rank and file, unwashed;

Phrases

cream of the crop, Hall of Fame;

best

verb

Definition of best

bested; besting; bests

transitive verb

: to get the better of : outdo

bested by their opponents

See best defined for English-language learners

Examples of best in a Sentence

at last she's bested her card-playing mother at the game of hearts

Recent Examples of best from the Web

Minnesota Wild forward Zucker earned plenty of cheers for his two-goal performance in Team Walser’s 5-3 win over RBC, while Velocity bested Tira by a 5-3 score behind a strong outing from Coyotes goalie prospect Miska to open up the 2018 season.

— michael blinn, SI.com, "NHLer-Laden Da Beauty League Returns for Third Season of Summer Hockey," 12 July 2018
The 930-student campus, which also serves middle school students and a handful of high school students, bested nearly 900 others in the nonprofit's annual report.

— jacob carpenter, Houston Chronicle, "Houston-area's Top 10 elementary schools, ranked by the annual Children at Risk ratings," 2 June 2018
The New York Times asks if Democrats can flip the California districts where Republicans are the House incumbents but Clinton bested Trump in 2016.

— NBC News, "First Read's Morning Clips: Will Villaraigosa miss the top two?," 1 June 2018
Tuesday’s extraordinary primary day was a wake-up call to the old boys as four Pennsylvania women bested their opponents to run for congressional seats this November, writes columnist Maria Panaritis.

— aubrey nagle, Philly.com, "Guilty plea in grisly Bucks murders, botched repairs endanger Philly schools | Morning Newsletter," 17 May 2018
Here are some of the metrics that Allen bested his peers at in the pre-draft process: Throw velocity (62 mph), height (6-foot-5), and hand size (over 10 inches).

— andrew beaton, WSJ, "The Rorschach Test of the NFL Draft," 23 Apr. 2018
After Nevada bested Cincinnati, the team’s Twitter manager seemed to be at a loss for words.

— char adams, PEOPLE.com, "Relive the Best Moments from the NCAA Tournament This Past Weekend (On and Off the Court!)," 19 Mar. 2018
At the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics in South Korea, the U.S. women’s hockey team bested longtime rival, Canada, in an ultra-dramatic shootout to end a three-hour game and a 20-year gold medal drought.

— rose minutaglio, Marie Claire, "Exclusive: Why these Gold Medal–Winning Hockey Stars Are Still Fighting for Women," 8 Mar. 2018
Damian Lillard poured in 44 points for his third consecutive game of 39 or more as the Blazers bested Kevin Durant and the Warriors 123-117 at Moda Center.

— tim brown, OregonLive.com, "Steve Kerr slams US government for 'not protecting us' after Florida school shooting," 15 Feb. 2018

Origin and Etymology of best

see ¹best

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1863

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

best Synonyms

Phrases

get the better of, knock for a loop;

best

auxiliary verb

Definition of best

: had best (see ²best 1)

you best listen

Recent Examples of best from the Web

What soccer allowed Bacca is much like what the World Cup offers younger, poorer, less powerful nations: the possibility of competing with and besting the world’s traditional winners.

— kanishk tharoor, The Atlantic, "The Elusive Underdog Magic of the World Cup," 14 July 2018
The streaming giant beat out HBO with 112 Emmy nominations, besting the cable network's 108 and ending its 17-year streak of getting the most Television Academy nods.

— angela watercutter, WIRED, "With 112 Emmy Nominations, Netflix Officially Rules Television," 12 July 2018
Minnesota Wild forward Zucker earned plenty of cheers for his two-goal performance in Team Walser’s 5-3 win over RBC, while Velocity bested Tira by a 5-3 score behind a strong outing from Coyotes goalie prospect Miska to open up the 2018 season.

— michael blinn, SI.com, "NHLer-Laden Da Beauty League Returns for Third Season of Summer Hockey," 12 July 2018
Disney has agreed to pay $71.3 billion for a number of major Fox assets, including the existing 39.1% share of Sky, besting a rival bid from Comcast.

— kiley roache, WSJ, "Fox Gets U.K. Approval to Buy Sky Amid Bidding War With Comcast," 12 July 2018
This installment opens with a 19th-century flashback showing Dracula besting the vampire hunter Van Helsing: think a caped and fang-bearing Bugs Bunny versus Elmer Fudd.

— michael mccullers, New York Times, "Review: Raising the Stakes With ‘Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation’," 12 July 2018
While Federer started out strong, besting Anderson 6-2 and 7-6 in the first few sets, his dominance became less complete as play went on.

— raisa bruner, Time, "Roger Federer Exits Wimbledon After a Nail-Biting Match Against Kevin Anderson," 11 July 2018
Longtime Montgomery County Council member Marc Elrich was declared the winner of the Democratic primary for county executive Sunday, besting opponent David Blair in a tight race that came down to absentee and provisional ballots.

— jennifer barrios, Washington Post, "Elrich edges out Blair in Democratic primary for Montgomery County executive," 9 July 2018
In Baltimore, Marilyn Mosby, the State's Attorney who received national attention after charging officers in the 2015 police custody death of Freddie Gray, bested two male challengers.

— Essence.com, "Primaries Yield Big Electoral Wins For Black Women, Men And People Of Color Nationwide," 28 June 2018

Origin and Etymology of best

see ¹best

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1897

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

Best

biographical name \ ˈbest \

Definition of Best

Charles Herbert 1899–1978 Canadian (American-born) physiologist

BEST Defined for English Language Learners

best

adjective

Definition of best for English Language Learners

: better than all others in quality or value
: most skillful, talented, or successful
: most appropriate, useful, or helpful

best

adverb

Definition of best for English Language Learners

: in the best way : in a way that is better than all others : with the most success or benefit
: to the greatest degree or extent

best

noun

Definition of best for English Language Learners

the best : the best person or thing : the best group of people or things
: someone's or something's most effective, capable, or successful condition
: the highest level that you can do or achieve

best

verb

Definition of best for English Language Learners

: to do better than (someone or something) : to defeat or outdo (someone or something)

BEST Defined for Kids

best

adjective \ ˈbest \

Definition of best for Students

superlative of good

1 : better than all others

He's the best speller in the class.

2 : most appropriate, useful, or helpful

This is the best way to solve the problem.

— best part

: ³most

It rained for the best part of their vacation.

best

adverb

Definition of best for Students

superlative of well

1 : in a way that is better than all the others

This dessert is best eaten hot.

2 : ²most 1

She's best able to do the work.

best

noun

Definition of best for Students

1 : a person or thing or part of a thing that is better than all the others

You're the best!

2 : someone's greatest effort

Do your best.

best

verb

Definition of best for Students

bested; besting

: to do better than : defeat or outdo

He bested us in every game.

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See words that rhyme with best Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for best Spanish Central: Translation of best Nglish: Translation of best for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of best for Arabic speakers

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best

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best

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BEST Defined for Kids

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