best 1 of 3

adjective

Definition of bestnext
as in Sunday

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

best

2 of 3

noun

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

best

3 of 3

verb

as in to worst
to achieve a victory over at last she's bested her card-playing mother at the game of hearts

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 best
Adjective
The duo won Oscars for best picture, director and original screenplay. — Katie Simons, Los Angeles Times, 26 Mar. 2026 While it isn't favored to win best picture, it's been gaining momentum and could well pull off an upset. — Daniel Arkin, NBC news, 15 Mar. 2026
Noun
The longer races are brutally hard, but Kerstin loves helping other runners pursue their personal bests. — William Finnegan, New Yorker, 29 June 2026 In all, Enhanced said there were 14 personal bests set by 12 athletes, all of them swimmers and weightlifters. — Los Angeles Times, 25 May 2026
Verb
In a recent New Yorker letter, the critic David Denby explored why The Odyssey has bested so many adaptors. — Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 14 July 2026 The Princess of Wales is known to play the sport and has even bested her husband at the sport in the past, according to Australian tennis star Rod Laver. — Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 11 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for best
Recent Examples of Synonyms for best
  1. stylish
  2. attire
  3. elite
  4. defeat
  5. elegant
  6. costume
  7. top
  8. overcome
Adjective
  • Consumer electronics giant Xiaomi is rolling out stylish sedans and SUVs outfitted with dizzying in-cabin infotainment tech.
    — Alan Ohnsman, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Every seat is upholstered in stylish beige and cream-colored textiles and offers seven inches of recline, 40 inches of pitch, and 19 inches of width.
    — Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of stylish
Noun
  • His fluctuating weight, ruddy cheeks and occasionally ill-fitting attire — commenters on social media rarely needed an excuse to zero in on him.
    — Greg O'Keeffe, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Tuipulotu, who was a full participant in minicamp, did individual work off to the side during Wednesday’s practice and was in general workout attire rather than in a helmet, jersey and football pants like his teammates.
    — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 31 July 2026
Definition of attire
Noun
  • This weakness was exploited by elite running backs such as Bijan Robinson (Buffalo was upset by the Falcons and gave up 210 rushing yards) and De’Von Achane (the Dolphins gained 197 rushing yards in their second meeting, an upset win).
    — Jacob Robinson, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026
  • As a model professional, Rodri should still have plenty of years to enjoy in the elite.
    — Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of elite
Verb
  • Without Toney, the Chiefs may not have defeated the Eagles in Super Bowl LVII.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 1 Aug. 2026
  • After a topsy-turvy road trip in which the team split six games, the Braves defeated the Nationals again Friday night, 6-2.
    — Gabriel Burns, AJC.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of defeat
Adjective
  • Its interior design matches the vibe, with elegant period-style design complemented by touches of country life—riding boots placed beside a cast-iron fireguard inside, terracotta pots next to Victorian wrought-iron chairs on the outdoor patio.
    — Katie Silcox, Vogue, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Follow what feels elegant, interesting, and horizon-widening.
    — Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of elegant
Noun
  • Framed costume designs by Messel line the walls, and the skirted dressing table is topped with a vintage perfume atomiser with a puffy spray bulb and, of course, a bowl of yellow roses.
    — Irenie Forshaw, TheWeek, 29 July 2026
  • One art form that might seem implacably hostile to such tactics is opera, whose complex fusion of singing, stagecraft, orchestra, and costumes usually depends on generous fly space, wings, and an ample pit.
    — Justin Davidson, Curbed, 29 July 2026
Definition of costume
Noun
  • That jumps from his previous $45 million average and pushes him to the top of the quarterback market.
    — Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 31 July 2026
  • Getting those numbers near the top of the list is a point of emphasis for this year's team.
    — Alex Wilcox, CBS News, 31 July 2026
Definition of top
Verb
  • Given that the Touch Bar is no more, this stumbling block was never satisfactorily overcome.
    — Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Reclaiming Progress Park required overcoming years of lived experience.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of overcome

Phrases Containing best

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bespoken
best
best bib and tucker
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Cite this Entry

“Best.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/best. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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