aid 1 of 2

noun

Definition of aidnext
1
as in aide
a person who helps a more skilled person Jack is his mother's preferred aid in the kitchen, as his sister Janice is clumsy when it comes to chopping and peeling

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2
as in benefit
a thing that helps a dictionary is a handy aid for working crossword puzzles

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in assistance
an act or instance of helping the clerk asked if she needed any aid carrying out her purchases

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

aid

2 of 2

verb

ˈād How to pronounce aid (audio)
as in to assist
to provide (someone) with what is useful or necessary to achieve an end sought to aid her in her search for a dachshund puppy by looking online

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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 aid
Noun
On de la Espriella’s inauguration day, Washington pledged a $1 billion aid package to support security and counter-narcotics operations. — Alfie Pannell, Miami Herald, 9 Sep. 2026 Officers rendered aid and requested an emergency medical crew. — Kansas City Star, 8 Sep. 2026
Verb
Why New Jersey and Utah followed New Jersey ranked second, aided by the nation's lowest depression rate and the highest share of residents reporting supportive relationships and love in their lives. — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2026 Shelton and Alcaraz would have had press responsibilities to perform, needed to warm down properly and eat and drink something to aid in their recovery. — Ben Church, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for aid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aid
  1. aide
  2. benefit
  3. assistance
  4. assist
  5. assistant
  6. advantage
  7. help
  8. apprentice
Noun
  • When Schaesta Ama outs him and kicks him out of their home, Payam comes to Mansur’s aide (albeit temporarily) but does not invite him up into his caste for more than an afternoon.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Any school district employee — including bus drivers, custodians, front-office staff, aides and administrators — can get a small (16-ounce) hot or cold drink of their choice.
    — Cheryl V. Jackson, IndyStar, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of aide
Noun
  • Although law firms are beginning to embrace the benefits of generative AI, the technology apparently makes many law schools squeamish.
    — Sian Leah Beilock, The Atlantic, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Through 2070, South Florida could see $2 of benefits for every $1 invested in community adaptations, like seawall construction and beach nourishment.
    — Zoey Thomas, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of benefit
Noun
  • More than half the population is estimated to need humanitarian assistance because of surging gang violence amid deepening poverty and hunger.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 11 Sep. 2026
  • The organization provides resources, education and other assistance from the idea phase to scaling up phase, Swaney said.
    — Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of assistance
Verb
  • The sheriff's office's drone was used to assist in checking the approximately 28-acre property and helped identify old kennel and animal-confinement areas.
    — River Valley Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 9 Sep. 2026
  • By assisting Japan in stabilizing its currency, the White House was effectively guarding against a potentially large sale of T-bills.
    — Steve Kopack, NBC news, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of assist
Noun
  • Nana Menya Ayensu is an energy strategy and infrastructure technology investment executive and a former White House special assistant to the President on Climate Policy, Finance, and Innovation.
    — Nana Menya Ayensu, semafor.com, 7 Sep. 2026
  • Idzik was in his first year as a low-level offensive assistant with the Seattle Seahawks, whose staff was selected to coach the NFC team after an early exit from the 2019 playoffs.
    — Joseph Person, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
Definition of assistant
Noun
  • Galatasaray squandered a 5-2 first-leg lead against Juventus in last season’s knockout play-off round, despite having a man advantage for most of the game.
    — Nick Miller, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
  • Podded propulsion offers particular advantages in this environment.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 7 Sep. 2026
Definition of advantage
Noun
  • Offensive coordinator Frank Reich, who has been the play caller for some historically bad offenses, is a concern, but the help Smith will get from his teammates will be night-and-day better than last season.
    — Ted Nguyen, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
  • The family has several immediate needs, including clothing, food, personal items and help with temporary living expenses, Sharp said.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Sep. 2026
Definition of help
Noun
  • Approaching retirement, Patrick searches with exacting standards for someone to fill his shoes, investing time in mentoring young apprentice Matteo.
    — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 4 Sep. 2026
  • CEOs would be wise to reinvest some of the profit AI creates into apprentice-style roles that grow entry-level people fast.
    — Michael Chavira, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of apprentice

Browse Nearby Words

ahead of
aid
aide
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Cite this Entry

“Aid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aid. Accessed 14 Sep. 2026.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about aid

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