better 1 of 4

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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better

2 of 4

noun

better

3 of 4

verb

better

4 of 4

adjective

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
Adverb
On Tuesday Biden touted increases in Border Patrol staffing and also increased fentanyl seizures at the border, which officials have said shows that apprehension is getting better. Adam Shaw, Fox News, 8 Feb. 2023 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
Noun
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
Verb
Our brilliant betters in the Democratic party and at the cable news networks are going through the different stages of defeat. Grace Curley, Boston Herald, 13 Nov. 2024 The hook is still in play, and a lot of betters seem to be biting on it. Hank Gola, New York Daily News, 5 Dec. 2024
Adjective
The election office has been working toward coming up with a system to better track attendance and payments, Fajman previously said, and hopes to launch it by the next general election. Alexandra Kukulka, Chicago Tribune, 15 July 2025 Karras' nonprofit began as a grassroots fundraiser for the Village of Merici in 2016, and has quickly expanded into a Cincinnati sensation, collaborating with local programs focusing on bettering the community. Hailey Roden, The Enquirer, 10 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for better
Recent Examples of Synonyms for better
Adverb
  • Shopping for glasses online is now easier and more reliable than ever.
    Jason Phillips, Freep.com, 28 Aug. 2025
  • Now, lens makers engineer them to handle more complex issues.
    Malana VanTyler, AZCentral.com, 28 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Picquart reopens the investigation and pushes for a retrial, butting heads with his superiors and with a disloyal, antisemitic subordinate (Grégory Gadebois)—ultimately derailing his military career in the pursuit of justice.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 14 Aug. 2025
  • The social hierarchy is unbending, but Flora knows she is destined for something greater, even though this puts her at odds with her superiors.
    Vogue, Vogue, 29 July 2025
Noun
  • The companies that treat AI as a leadership imperative, not just a technical one, are likely to be the ones that create lasting advantage.
    Anand Subbaraj, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025
  • My only advice is to do your homework and know there are advantages and disadvantages associated with any medical procedure.
    Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 29 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • As noted last week, Daniels’ performance in August — after missing much of spring ball with an injury — exceeded what might have been expected from a No. 4 receiver at LSU.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 1 Sep. 2025
  • Gary Works and the company’s Mon Valley Works facilities have achieved a compliance rate exceeding 99%, according to the statement.
    Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Now is the time to improve your home’s ability to withstand hurricanes.
    Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2025
  • Some areas of Michigan's Great Lakes remained dangerous early Friday, Aug. 29, for beach-goers, with waves up to 6 feet and dangerous currents, but conditions are expected to improve for the three-day Labor Day weekend.
    Sarah Moore, Freep.com, 31 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The Grand Ole Opry is celebrating its 100th anniversary with a year-long celebration featuring special shows, tours, and artist debuts.
    Audrey Gibbs, The Tennessean, 26 Aug. 2025
  • Some items have been added to showcase Gravelle’s Bronco style, such as the special sticker with the Appalachian Mountains landscape that graces the glove box and usually gets the most comments from first-time passengers.
    Eric D. Lawrence, Freep.com, 26 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The square stones have rounded edges to prevent scratching, and there’s no unpleasant metallic taste.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2025
  • Back to the top of the order, Jurickson Profar got a changeup on the outside edge of the zone and lined it to left field for a double.
    Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 14 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Though Starship was unable to achieve its most important objectives, the distance the vehicle traveled far surpassed the previous 2025 flights in January and March, when Starship exploded within minutes.
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2025
  • The move comes as Muscat’s finances look sturdier: sovereign debt is down, IPO activity surpassed London in 2024, and the country is investing in green hydrogen and natural gas.
    Manal Albarakati, semafor.com, 25 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Better.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/better. Accessed 4 Sep. 2025.

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