1
as in attire
dressy clothing
the family wore their best to the wedding
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in elite
individuals carefully selected as being the best of a class
only the best will go on to the finals
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to worst
to achieve a victory over
at last she's bested her card-playing mother at the game of hearts
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of best
Shafiq Najib, ABC News, 15 Mar. 2026
The jovial actor can hardly nab a bite of the restaurant’s famous cheesy garlic bread without someone asking for a selfie or sharing well wishes for the movie, which is vying for a record-breaking 16 awards at the March 15 ceremony, including best picture.
—Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 14 Mar. 2026
Maria Sherman, Chicago Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026
Wade, an Orlando native, led the team in receiving touchdowns (5) and was second in receiving yards (523) and receptions (43) last season — all of which were program-bests for a tight end in a single season.
—Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Apr. 2026
Fred Katz, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2026
Matt Fitzpatrick bested Scottie Scheffler in a playoff at the RBC Heritage over the weekend in what became a road game for him.
—Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 22 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for best
Adjective
See who won best picture, which films took home the most Oscars and more.
—Shafiq Najib, ABC News, 15 Mar. 2026
The jovial actor can hardly nab a bite of the restaurant’s famous cheesy garlic bread without someone asking for a selfie or sharing well wishes for the movie, which is vying for a record-breaking 16 awards at the March 15 ceremony, including best picture.
—Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 14 Mar. 2026
Noun
In 1971, the Osmonds tallied nine gold records, surpassing single-year bests by Elvis and the Beatles.
—Maria Sherman, Chicago Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026
Wade, an Orlando native, led the team in receiving touchdowns (5) and was second in receiving yards (523) and receptions (43) last season — all of which were program-bests for a tight end in a single season.
—Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Apr. 2026
Verb
The Hawks have bested the Knicks in that aspect thus far.
—Fred Katz, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2026
Matt Fitzpatrick bested Scottie Scheffler in a playoff at the RBC Heritage over the weekend in what became a road game for him.
—Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 22 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for best
Recent Examples of Synonyms for best
Noun
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Instead of a usual tuxedo, the attire consists of a black tail coat, a waistcoat and a white bow tie.—
Kevin Liptak,
CNN Money,
28 Apr. 2026
-
As for Tom’s surprise appearance at the country music festival, the actor kept his attire casual, opting for blue jeans, a tan jacket and a hat.—
Brian Anthony Hernandez,
PEOPLE,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Christopher argued Pratt’s candidacy also complicates the idea that anyone tied to Hollywood is automatically viewed as part of a disconnected elite.—
Barnini Chakraborty,
The Washington Examiner,
8 May 2026
-
Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced new sanctions against Cuba's military regime and elites.—
Francesca Chambers,
USA Today,
7 May 2026
Adjective
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And yet, here comes along Björk, not just cutting a stylish figure in the ensemble on a red carpet, but basically raving in it.—
Max Berlinger,
Vogue,
8 May 2026
-
Modern Vienna is a thriving metropolis with a stylish centre.—
Jaymi McCann,
TheWeek,
8 May 2026
Noun
-
On Saturday afternoon, someone dressed as the Christian messiah was among the dozens of people in costumes and masks seen on a video forcing open the door of a Scientology building on Hollywood Boulevard after a tug-of-war with a security guard.—
James Queally,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Their parents would come and look at the costumes and buildings in horror.—
Marta Balaga,
Variety,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Max Clark went 2-for-4 with three RBI and a run scored, driving in the winning run in the top of the seventh inning as Barnstable (9-5) defeated Mashpee, 8-6.—
Tyler McManus,
Boston Herald,
9 May 2026
-
Several areas in the facility were unclean with excess grease/debris/residue including brown spill stains on top of the microwave and the floor below the main cook line.—
Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado
May 8,
Sacbee.com,
8 May 2026
Verb
-
Nico Santonastaso struck out 10 and allowed two earned runs over seven innings, and Jack Thompson registered three hits and an RBI as Mystic Valley defeated Minuteman, 10-5.—
Tyler McManus,
Boston Herald,
9 May 2026
-
Josiah Rodriguez was 3-for-5 with a double, a home run and four RBIs and Mason Cook hit a two-run home run as PLNU defeated Concordia 9-1 in Santa Barbara to complete a three-game tournament sweep.—
Bill Center,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
9 May 2026
Adjective
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The two front doors open to reveal ample storage that expands to the back of the table, making this a piece that adds both an elegant and functional touch to a hallway or foyer.—
Rachel Trujillo,
PEOPLE,
9 May 2026
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Guests were served canapes including a surprisingly brilliant mango and mung bean tartare plus chicken teriyaki kebabs, all washed down with elegant Hugo Spritz and espresso martinis.—
Partner Content,
Variety,
9 May 2026
Noun
-
There’s bravery in how these artists are driven by conviction.—
Larisha Paul,
Rolling Stone,
2 May 2026
-
Passion isn’t practical, and bravery is required under the Scorpio full moon.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
1 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Best.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/best. Accessed 10 May. 2026.
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