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

Examples of ameliorate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Yes to Education, once led by former New York Times Education editor Jacques Steinberg, worked tirelessly to ameliorate the effects of the Supreme Court decision. Scott White, Forbes, 14 Sep. 2024 Raisi is already facing massive economic problems at home—with potentially explosive consequences for the regime—and such measures would aim to pressure him into reviving the JCPOA, which could ameliorate those difficulties. Mohammad Ayatollahi Tabaar, Foreign Affairs, 2 Nov. 2021 Other company policies will help to ameliorate inequality while boosting overall financial performance, such as granting employees equity stakes. Paul Rissman, Forbes, 13 Sep. 2024 That extra family support is crucial to ameliorating parental stress, which U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy has declared an urgent public health issue. Ali Martin, The Christian Science Monitor, 5 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for ameliorate 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ameliorate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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Cite this Entry

“Ameliorate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ameliorate. Accessed 3 Nov. 2024.

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