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Definition of helpnext
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as in to benefit
to provide with something useful or desirable being independently wealthy certainly helped him during his years as a struggling young artist

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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help

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How is the word help distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of help are ameliorate, better, and improve. While all these words mean "to make more acceptable or to bring nearer a standard," help implies a bettering that still leaves room for improvement.

a coat of paint would help that house

In what contexts can ameliorate take the place of help?

Although the words ameliorate and help have much in common, ameliorate implies making more tolerable or acceptable conditions that are hard to endure.

tried to ameliorate the lives of people in the tenements

How do improve and better relate to one another, in the sense of help?

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

How is the word help distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of help are ameliorate, better, and improve. While all these words mean "to make more acceptable or to bring nearer a standard," help implies a bettering that still leaves room for improvement.

a coat of paint would help that house

In what contexts can ameliorate take the place of help?

Although the words ameliorate and help have much in common, ameliorate implies making more tolerable or acceptable conditions that are hard to endure.

tried to ameliorate the lives of people in the tenements

How do improve and better relate to one another, in the sense of help?

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

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 help
Verb
These efficiency gains mean that hybrids using the Amorphous Motor in their powertrains will see a 1% reduction in fuel and power consumption compared to those using existing motor designs, helping automotive OEMs deliver a new generation of low-emission vehicle models, as per the release. Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 9 Mar. 2026 The gap helps explain why authorities are tightening FX rules even as exporters press for more predictable conversion mechanics. Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 9 Mar. 2026
Noun
Kansas City could use the help in the running back region. Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 9 Mar. 2026 Family members of both men had reached out for help before they were killed by a police officer. Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 9 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for help
Recent Examples of Synonyms for help
Verb
  • Brazil’s government announced emergency measures including a national task force to execute arrest warrants, electronic tracking for aggressors and mobile units assisting women experiencing violence.
    Eléonore Hughes, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2026
  • Kurashev assisted on Kiefer Sherwood’s third-period game-winning goal in the Sharks’ 7-5 victory over the Montreal Canadiens on Tuesday.
    Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 8 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Many Angelenos believe the city’s leaders have squandered billions in funds meant to alleviate the homelessness crisis and allowed unhoused people to take over public space.
    Matthew Ormseth, Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 2026
  • Michael said training, guidance and policies could help alleviate the potential risks associated with introducing AI into the workforce, such as when agents magnify or mask errors.
    Bloomberg, Mercury News, 10 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The Democratic senator, who voted for the USMCA trade pact in 2019, is calling for better labor standards, enforcement provisions, wage protections, and updates to origin requirements that prevent China from accessing the North American market through Mexico.
    Morgan Chalfant, semafor.com, 12 Mar. 2026
  • The finding has the potential to provide a longer runway to make the lifestyle changes that can help reduce risk, and could be used to better identify subjects who could benefit from participating in clinical trials seeking to prevent or treat neurodegenerative disease.
    Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Deep conversations benefit from Jupiter’s newfound forward momentum, which energizes your 8th House of Deep Sharing.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 10 Mar. 2026
  • Travelers aren’t the only ones who stand to benefit from the new sleep areas.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 10 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Approach improves transparency and trust in autonomous systems Similar to the flight data recorders used in aircraft, the system continuously logs information about the drone’s performance.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 9 Mar. 2026
  • Any efforts to improve your living space may need to be run by other people, like a roommate or landlord.
    Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • However, the buzz of the lobby and tight spaces throughout could make getting around the hotel a bit straining for those who require accessibility assistance.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Mar. 2026
  • This program was among the assistance efforts that Congress created in response to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, and was aimed at helping small businesses and non-profit organizations get through the immediate economic impact.
    Paula Wethington, CBS News, 10 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • And that’s the exact advantage Mansfield Summit’s smothering defense created in the Class 5A Division II state championship.
    Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Mar. 2026
  • Joveljić, along with Stephen Afrifa, set up an insurance goal by Johnsen in the 74th minute for a 2-0 advantage.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 15 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • None of the 140 children, teachers and staff inside the synagogue were injured, authorities said.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 14 Mar. 2026
  • Times staff writer Grace Toohey contributed to this report.
    Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 14 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Help.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/help. Accessed 15 Mar. 2026.

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