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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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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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
Extreme Weather Survivors concentrates on issues such as federal aid, debris clean-up and insurance reform. — Chas Newkey-Burden, TheWeek, 28 Oct. 2026 The latest attack came as part of the ongoing war between the army and the RSF, which broke out in April 2023, triggering one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, according to aid organizations. — ABC News, 28 Oct. 2026
Verb
Reflect Orbital remains adamant that reflecting sunlight could be a game changer for solar power generation, aiding during search and rescue missions, and responding to natural disasters. — Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 28 Oct. 2026 This is not the first time Sacramento police have been accused of aiding immigration enforcement. — Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 28 Oct. 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
  • An aide to Kennedy reportedly paid a janitor with the same name to enter the race.
    — Drew Kurlowski, The Conversation, 30 Oct. 2026
  • The slowdown could happen in a number of ways, GOP aides working on health policy told me — depending on how big an election night Democrats have.
    — David Lim, semafor.com, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of aide
Noun
  • On standard time, early risers get the benefit of a little more morning sunlight.
    — Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 31 Oct. 2026
  • When unnecessary costs accumulate, a small contractor may have less money available for raises, equipment, another apprentice or employee benefits.
    — Christian Swann, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of benefit
Noun
  • The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation, with assistance from the FAA.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 30 Oct. 2026
  • The doc tells the story of how more than 5,000 American lawyers, judges and legal experts became involved with CEELI, which was a pro bono initiative that provided technical legal assistance to former Soviet Bloc countries.
    — Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of assistance
Verb
  • About 90 minutes before the victims' bodies were discovered on Wednesday, officers were called to the Oberlin College campus to assist firefighters extinguishing a vehicle fire in a parking lot, authorities said.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Use it for just a few minutes a day to stimulate collagen; the product also works to push in topical products and assist with lymphatic drainage.
    — Lauren Valenti, Vogue, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of assist
Noun
  • In 1992, while arranging insurance for Judd’s Marfa properties, his bookkeeper and assistant Jeff Kopie proposed leaving three small buildings then under renovation off the policy altogether, noting their minimal value.
    — Julian Rose, Artforum, 1 Nov. 2026
  • Abbott said that Accenture research found that 65% of consumers are open to using a GPT-like financial assistant through a Gen AI platform or digital wallet, and 71% would welcome an AI assistant embedded within their primary bank's mobile app.
    — Kevin Williams, CNBC, 1 Nov. 2026
Definition of assistant
Noun
  • Likely voters who decided which candidate to support only recently in seven key Senate races favor Republicans despite an overall Democratic advantage, according to a new poll released Sunday night.
    — Carter Schroppe, The Washington Examiner, 2 Nov. 2026
  • The data — provided by Eric Eager, then with PFF — has proven extending a three-point lead to six points late in the fourth quarter has more consequences than advantages.
    — Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of advantage
Noun
  • And with more help and a better supporting cast, the results likely would have been more favorable.
    — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Financial help, including premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions, is now restricted for many groups of people who were previously eligible.
    — Fatima Hussein, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of help
Noun
  • When unnecessary costs accumulate, a small contractor may have less money available for raises, equipment, another apprentice or employee benefits.
    — Christian Swann, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Oct. 2026
  • But Glennon’s glad-handing soon gives way to a much blunter critique when my Ear-Candling Tech’s apprentice steps in to say that my team has absolutely had it with me and my excuses.
    — Julie Klausner, New Yorker, 29 Oct. 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 5 Nov. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on aid

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about aid

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