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
Benjamin Svetkey, HollywoodReporter, 1 Oct. 2025
The film picked up a total of five awards at the ceremony, including best picture, best director, original screenplay and editing.
—Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 26 Mar. 2025
Hunter Patterson, New York Times, 13 Jan. 2026
Bishop Feehan features forward Georgia Murray and goalie Aviva Olitsky as two of the state’s bests at their positions, while skating three complete lines.
—Tom Mulherin, Boston Herald, 12 Jan. 2026
Jasper Craven, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
But when the scores went up, Sotnikova had accomplished a major upset, besting Kim by over five points.
—Natasha O'Neill, Vanity Fair, 26 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for best
Adjective
Diablo Cody’s teen pregnancy comedy went from quirk to cultural phenomenon, Chris Terrio’s CIA thriller won best picture, and Graham Moore’s Enigma thriller grossed $230 million.
—Benjamin Svetkey, HollywoodReporter, 1 Oct. 2025
The film picked up a total of five awards at the ceremony, including best picture, best director, original screenplay and editing.
—Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 26 Mar. 2025
Noun
The former Michigan State Spartan is in his first full season with the Mavericks after being dealt from the Los Angeles Lakers and averaging career-bests in scoring, 3-point percentage and field-goal percentage.
—Hunter Patterson, New York Times, 13 Jan. 2026
Bishop Feehan features forward Georgia Murray and goalie Aviva Olitsky as two of the state’s bests at their positions, while skating three complete lines.
—Tom Mulherin, Boston Herald, 12 Jan. 2026
Verb
The Raiders had, in impressive form, bested the Patriots the previous week, but they were still considered to be not very good.
—Jasper Craven, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
But when the scores went up, Sotnikova had accomplished a major upset, besting Kim by over five points.
—Natasha O'Neill, Vanity Fair, 26 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for best
Recent Examples of Synonyms for best
Noun
-
Brockman was unable to say which group the man in the Native attire belonged to.—
Matthew Adams,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
3 Feb. 2026
-
Lately, celebs have been ditching heels and dresses for more relaxed red carpet attire, and Meghan Markle’s 2026 Sundance Film Festival outfit is no different.—
Nicol Natale,
PEOPLE,
1 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
There, the political and commercial elites don’t shy away from murder to defend potentially corrupt schemes.—
Georg Szalai,
HollywoodReporter,
6 Feb. 2026
-
The first Gossip Girl book was released in 2002, debuting the cutthroat world of Manhattan's elite via a group of teens and their equally ruthless parents, all watched over by an all-seeing — and all-telling — mysterious online figure eager to spill their scandalous secrets.—
Sydney Bucksbaum,
Entertainment Weekly,
5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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One such fashion trend for 2026 is revisiting a tried-and-true shirt style that was first introduced in the early 1900s before reaching a stylish heyday in the 1950s.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
6 Feb. 2026
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Boricua slang like perreo (a type of dance linked to reggaeton music), janguear (to hang out) and bichiyal (a stylish woman) are sprinkled throughout many of Bad Bunny’s songs.—
Rebecca Morin,
USA Today,
6 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Ten feet away from him, a man walked around dressed in a Pokémon costume.—
Jerry Brewer,
New York Times,
3 Feb. 2026
-
Given that the Ash clan came from a far darker place psychologically and historically than the Wind Traders, Scott wanted their costumes and accessories to go in an entirely different direction.—
Jim Hemphill,
IndieWire,
3 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The 24-year-old skier, competing in his first Olympics, held the top of the podium for most of the final at Stelvio Ski Center in Bormio on Saturday morning.—
Paulina Dedaj,
FOXNews.com,
7 Feb. 2026
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No matter what is in the training sessions or policy manual, Stoughton said the most powerful message officers receive is from the top.—
Andy Rose,
CNN Money,
7 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
In 2022, Horvath won her supervisorial seat, defeating former Assembly Speaker Bob Hertzberg, a political veteran.—
David Zahniser,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Feb. 2026
-
Landsman, a Cincinnati Democrat, defeated Sonza 54% to 46% in 2024.—
Erin Glynn,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
7 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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When paired with the right boots, leggings can even rise to the level of elegant occasion wear.—
Amber Rambharose,
InStyle,
31 Jan. 2026
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According to interior designers, these four countertop colors are their go-tos for creating modern yet classic spaces that feel elegant and livable.—
Cori Sears,
The Spruce,
30 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
But the bravery of ordinary people has shown that Americans have not forgotten the power of loving their neighbors.—
Julie Beck,
The Atlantic,
31 Jan. 2026
-
Friday, August 29 Caseem Wongus is honored during the Philadelphia Phillies game at Citizens Bank Park for his bravery the night of the crash.—
Alexandra Simon,
CBS News,
31 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Best.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/best. Accessed 8 Feb. 2026.
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