1
as in attire
dressy clothing
the family wore their best to the wedding
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in elite
individuals carefully selected as being the best of a class
only the best will go on to the finals
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to worst
to achieve a victory over
at last she's bested her card-playing mother at the game of hearts
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of best
Radhika Seth, Vogue, 8 Feb. 2025
Conclave and Wicked went into the ceremony leading this year’s film nominees with 11 nods each, including for the top prize of best picture.
—Hilary Lewis, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Feb. 2025
Tony Paige, New York Daily News, 4 May 2025
The Kings tied franchise bests for wins (48) and points (105) this season and won a team-record 31 times at home during the regular season, finishing ahead of the Oilers in the Pacific Division standings for the first time in seven years.
—Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2025
Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 5 May 2025
In a remarkable political rebound, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberals bested Pierre Poilievre’s Conservatives after Trump’s tariffs and threats to annex its neighbor changed the fortunes of the governing party, which had been trailing in the polls for years.
—Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 4 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for best
Adjective
In the end, Gangs of New York went home empty-handed despite its 10 nods, and Rob Marshall’s Chicago won best picture.
—Radhika Seth, Vogue, 8 Feb. 2025
Conclave and Wicked went into the ceremony leading this year’s film nominees with 11 nods each, including for the top prize of best picture.
—Hilary Lewis, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Feb. 2025
Noun
In boxing, the face of the sport is usually the pound-for-pound best, but what of the voice of the sport?
—Tony Paige, New York Daily News, 4 May 2025
The Kings tied franchise bests for wins (48) and points (105) this season and won a team-record 31 times at home during the regular season, finishing ahead of the Oilers in the Pacific Division standings for the first time in seven years.
—Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2025
Verb
The team lost a hundred and twenty games in its first season, in 1962, a record that held until last year, when it was bested, or worsted, by the Chicago White Sox.
—Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 5 May 2025
In a remarkable political rebound, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberals bested Pierre Poilievre’s Conservatives after Trump’s tariffs and threats to annex its neighbor changed the fortunes of the governing party, which had been trailing in the polls for years.
—Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 4 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for best
Recent Examples of Synonyms for best
Noun
-
Speaking of attire, Max Azria, founder of women’s fashion brand BCBG (not to be confused with CBGB, the legendary dive bar turned NYC punk nirvana), likely found the six-bedroom layout perfect for his eye for fashion.—
Spencer Elliott,
Forbes.com,
23 May 2025
-
Moderator Jean-Marie Durand was visibly intrigued by Coccia’s colorful attire, which included a pair of psychedelic Puma MB.04 LaMelo Ball Scooby Doo sneakers.—
Joelle Diderich,
Footwear News,
23 May 2025
Noun
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The Ivies and other elites Less than 1% of American college students attend elite private colleges.—
Amy Li,
The Conversation,
16 May 2025
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Drawing its name from the oaks which surround it, the 16th-century building was previously a private, all-boys school for the Florentine elite since 1868.—
Andrea Onate,
Footwear News,
15 May 2025
Adjective
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Lightweight pants offer a breezy, stylish alternative—perfect for keeping cool without ever reaching for a pair of shorts.—
Rylee Johnston,
Travel + Leisure,
20 May 2025
-
Function is priority, but practical can be stylish.—
Footwear News,
Footwear News,
20 May 2025
Noun
-
The costume designers even made game-changing advancements on the fly, especially for vital restroom visits.—
Bryan Alexander,
USA Today,
17 May 2025
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One highlight not to be missed is the human-sized Choupette costume sported by Jared Leto at the 2023 Met Gala, where the dress code honored the late couturier.—
Lily Templeton,
Footwear News,
16 May 2025
Noun
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Impossible decision Nicole and Kyle then had a choice to make.—
Karen Weintraub,
USA Today,
16 May 2025
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The process was grueling, but in her mind, there was no other choice.—
Vanessa Etienne,
People.com,
15 May 2025
Verb
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The moment transpired seven months after the Liberty defeated the Minessota Lynx in a riveting five-game WNBA Finals.—
Fiifi Frimpong,
New York Daily News,
18 May 2025
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But 19 months after the war in Gaza began, Israel has failed to either defeat Hamas or free all of the captives.—
Aaron Boxerman,
New York Times,
17 May 2025
Adjective
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Old Midleton Distillery, with its elegant stone facade, was originally a woolen mill in the late 18th century.—
Brad Japhe,
Forbes.com,
25 May 2025
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This elegant tiered fountain, just minutes off U.S. Highway 17, draws visitors year-round with its photogenic charm and quiet appeal.—
Symiah Dorsey,
Southern Living,
24 May 2025
Noun
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Even in those first sessions, Nikola stood out for his incredible bravery when going up against older boys.—
Paul Taylor,
New York Times,
20 May 2025
-
That indignation, those headlines, the praise for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s bravery and leadership cooling dramatically since those early days–in Europe and America.—
Chadd Scott,
Forbes.com,
19 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Best.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/best. Accessed 28 May. 2025.
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