AMELIORATE Synonyms: 57 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'ameliorate' distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of ameliorate are better , help , and improve . While all these words mean "to make more acceptable or to bring nearer a standard," ameliorate implies making more tolerable or acceptable conditions that are hard to endure. // tried to ameliorate the lives of people in the tenements

Q: When is 'help' a more appropriate choice than 'ameliorate'?

The meanings of help and ameliorate largely overlap; however, help implies a bettering that still leaves room for improvement. // a coat of paint would help that house

Q: How are the words 'improve' and 'better' related as synonyms of 'ameliorate'?

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

ameliorate

verb

ə-ˈmēl-yə-ˌrāt

Definition of ameliorate next

as in to improve

to make better social legislation that must be given credit for ameliorating the lot of millions of deprived people

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word ameliorate distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of ameliorate are better, help, and improve. While all these words mean "to make more acceptable or to bring nearer a standard," ameliorate implies making more tolerable or acceptable conditions that are hard to endure.

tried to ameliorate the lives of people in the tenements

When is help a more appropriate choice than ameliorate?

The meanings of help and ameliorate largely overlap; however, help implies a bettering that still leaves room for improvement.

a coat of paint would help that house

How are the words improve and better related as synonyms of ameliorate?

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 ameliorate Others are high-dose, quasi-pharmaceutical relief designed to ameliorate pain and glue your back to the couch. —

Kate Bernot, Bon Appetit Magazine, 29 Oct. 2025 Technological marvels do little to ameliorate the hardscrabble existence of most workers; sixty-five-year labor contracts are the norm. —

Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 25 Oct. 2025 While many winemakers around the globe are seeking higher sites to ameliorate the effects of a warming planet, others have chosen to plant on mountaintops purely to make the best wine possible. —

Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 28 Sep. 2025 But nothing David makes for dinner or tries to say seems enough to compel her to eat, let alone ameliorate her depressive state and anorexic behavior. —

Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 25 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ameliorate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ameliorate

Verb

Potential projects will demonstrate ways to improve energy utilization, process efficiency and manufacturing throughput to ensure a steady supply of extreme environment materials for industrial markets and federal agencies, according to the details available.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 23 Feb. 2026
Reserve Jacari White led six players in double figures with 17 points for the Cavaliers (24-3, 12-2 ACC), who improved to 13-1 at home and beat the Hurricanes for the ninth time in their last 10 meetings.

— Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 22 Feb. 2026