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
Benjamin Svetkey, HollywoodReporter, 1 Oct. 2025
The film picked up a total of five awards at the ceremony, including best picture, best director, original screenplay and editing.
—Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 26 Mar. 2025
Hunter Patterson, New York Times, 13 Jan. 2026
Bishop Feehan features forward Georgia Murray and goalie Aviva Olitsky as two of the state’s bests at their positions, while skating three complete lines.
—Tom Mulherin, Boston Herald, 12 Jan. 2026
Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 9 Jan. 2026
In a Cape and Islands League matchup, Burke Lombardi led with 19 points and Vallon Jeanty chipped in with 18 as Nantucket bested Cape Cod Academy, 70-50.
—Brian Roach, Boston Herald, 9 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for best
Adjective
Diablo Cody’s teen pregnancy comedy went from quirk to cultural phenomenon, Chris Terrio’s CIA thriller won best picture, and Graham Moore’s Enigma thriller grossed $230 million.
—Benjamin Svetkey, HollywoodReporter, 1 Oct. 2025
The film picked up a total of five awards at the ceremony, including best picture, best director, original screenplay and editing.
—Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 26 Mar. 2025
Noun
The former Michigan State Spartan is in his first full season with the Mavericks after being dealt from the Los Angeles Lakers and averaging career-bests in scoring, 3-point percentage and field-goal percentage.
—Hunter Patterson, New York Times, 13 Jan. 2026
Bishop Feehan features forward Georgia Murray and goalie Aviva Olitsky as two of the state’s bests at their positions, while skating three complete lines.
—Tom Mulherin, Boston Herald, 12 Jan. 2026
Verb
The Yankees were recently reminded of that, as the Cubs bested their offer for ex-Marlin Edward Cabrera.
—Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 9 Jan. 2026
In a Cape and Islands League matchup, Burke Lombardi led with 19 points and Vallon Jeanty chipped in with 18 as Nantucket bested Cape Cod Academy, 70-50.
—Brian Roach, Boston Herald, 9 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for best
Recent Examples of Synonyms for best
Noun
-
Their male backup dancers, dressed in black outfits to contrast the girls’ white attire, gave the performance a fuller feel.—
Laura Sirikul,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
-
As for accessories, the royal wore a navy headband to augment her monochrome attire and carried a small navy bag to boot.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
But since then Boston has loaded up, with Garrett Crochet, Ranger Suarez, Sonny Gray and Bello expected to lead a staff that could rank among the game’s elite.—
Mac Cerullo,
Boston Herald,
24 Jan. 2026
-
Sayler noted that Steele has spoke about Miami becoming similar to Gonzaga, a mid-major program that is now among the nation’s elite.—
Tim Casey,
Forbes.com,
23 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Decorated in neutral tones with yellow hues, the rooms are stylish, with clean lines, and large windows illuminating the space, accentuated by the bright open-plan bathrooms.—
Isabelle Kliger,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Jan. 2026
-
Its stylish decor and pulsating music create an ideal backdrop for dancing the night away.—
Kaycee Sloan,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
23 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The girls seemed to be having a great time during these performances, interacting with fans by reacting to their costumes and signs, and creating a Candybong wave.—
Laura Sirikul,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
-
The musical sequel had scored eight longlist mentions including in acting categories, score and sound, but today only heard its name called in costume and hair and makeup.—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
At the top, very little stays hidden.—
Julian Hayes II,
Forbes.com,
24 Jan. 2026
-
JPMorgan downgraded Southern Copper to sell from hold, calling the top in the stock relative to the price of copper.—
Jim Cramer,
CNBC,
23 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The Lancers took a step in the right direction Friday night, coming from behind to defeat La Jolla Country Day 52-39 on the Torreys’ floor in the Coastal League opener for both teams.—
Don Norcross,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 Jan. 2026
-
In the main event of SmackDown, Trick Williams defeated Damian Priest by DQ after provoking Sami Zayn.—
Alfred Konuwa,
Forbes.com,
24 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The island's Curtain Bluff is an elegant all-inclusive resort on the south coast, surrounded by two beaches.—
Allison Tibaldi,
USA Today,
24 Jan. 2026
-
Butternut squash, potato leek, cauliflower – these soups can turn humble ingredients into something elegant.—
Cheryl Russell,
Oc Register,
24 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The people of Israel, and the entire world, stand in awe of the immense bravery of Iran's citizens.—
Rachel Wolf,
FOXNews.com,
21 Jan. 2026
-
Many of us could benefit by mimicking her bravery and attitude toward a society not necessarily built for us.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
21 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Best.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/best. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026.
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