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 These grants and cooperative agreements were issued for a limited purpose; to ameliorate the effects of the pandemic. Nathaniel Weixel, The Hill, 27 Mar. 2025 Users must be certain that the agents are always ameliorating human and societal values, as opposed to detracting from them. Una Verhoeven, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025 Imagine the current and future poverty ameliorated by such a movement. Jeff Hobbs, Time, 10 Apr. 2025 For starters, steps must be taken quickly to ameliorate the damage by securing sizable reductions in the new tariffs as fast as possible. Steve Forbes, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ameliorate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ameliorate
Verb
  • The program seeks to tackle the issue through nutrition, physical activity, cutting back on medications and improving food and drug quality and safety.
    Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA Today, 15 May 2025
  • However, this premium valuation appears justified when considering the company’s extraordinary growth trajectory and improving profitability metrics.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
Verb
  • Data scientists analyze complex datasets to extract actionable insights, a role that AI enhances rather than replaces.
    Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025
  • Switch on headlights - Even during daylight hours, using headlights can enhance visibility and signal your presence to other drivers.
    STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ameliorate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ameliorate. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on ameliorate

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