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 Now, the Port will be required to ameliorate the issue by changing its management of stormwater and groundwater. Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 17 June 2025 To ameliorate this problem, President Donald Trump's Department of Justice has laid out a plan. Joel Thayer, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 May 2025 Pick up a side hustle One thing that can help ameliorate job loss specifically is finding new ways to use existing skills through things like side hustles or volunteering, says Anvari Clark. Katia Riddle, NPR, 28 Apr. 2025 Moving to multicore processors helped ameliorate that issue for a time. IEEE Spectrum, 24 May 2023 See All Example Sentences for ameliorate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ameliorate
Verb
  • Canales’ first year came with little-to-no expectations, and the team improved three games from rock bottom (2-15 in 2023).
    Mike Kaye September 10, Charlotte Observer, 10 Sep. 2025
  • The series builds on The Star's efforts to improve coverage of local communities.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • He is known for his advocacy in advancing preventive healthcare models, with an emphasis on the role of lifestyle interventions in managing chronic diseases and enhancing overall well-being.
    Verywell Health, Verywell Health, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Switch on headlights - Even during daylight hours, using headlights can enhance visibility and signal your presence to other drivers.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 5 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ameliorate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ameliorate. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on ameliorate

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