best 1 of 3

adjective

Definition of bestnext
as in Sunday

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best

2 of 3

noun

1
as in attire
dressy clothing the family wore their best to the wedding

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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

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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 Paramount Pictures name and script typeface conjures up Oscars’ best picture winners like The Godfather or Forrest Gump or Top Gun. — Erik Hayden, HollywoodReporter, 28 Sep. 2026 Shoppers can save on big-ticket items like this Bissell carpet and upholstery cleaner that’s earned best-seller status and a Levoit tower fan that can offer a breeze during the in-between weather of early fall. — Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 2026
Noun
Before his trade to Ottawa, Fabian Zetterlund was on track for a second consecutive 20-goal season, and William Eklund, Collin Graf, and Shakir Mukhamadullin all improved significantly, with Eklund setting career bests in goals, assists, and points. — Jon Becker, Mercury News, 17 Sep. 2026 Benton had career bests in tackles (51), tackles for loss (6) and sacks (5 1/2) while helping the Steelers to the AFC North title. — CBS News, 15 Aug. 2026
Verb
In January 2023, Jair Bolsonaro, Flávio’s father, absconded to Florida after getting bested by Lula months earlier. — Daniel Depetris, Chicago Tribune, 3 Nov. 2026 Miller bested nine other Democrats in the March primary, and is a longtime political ally of Kelly, who has held the seat since 2013. — CBS News, 3 Nov. 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
  • Meanwhile, fashionable La Marsa remains a firm favorite with the stylish set, and mid-2026 restaurant openings like Oto, a Japanese izakaya, and Sujet, a hybrid café and design store, keep things fresh.
    — Megan Spurrell, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Nov. 2026
  • Sam, who walks with a cane sometimes, is cool and dark and stylish, in an Anna Wintour mode.
    — Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 12 Nov. 2026
Definition of stylish
Noun
  • Every year, the LACMA Gala—which is supported by Gucci—produces memorable (and extremely glamorous) formal attire moments, and this evening was sure no different.
    — Christian Allaire, Vogue, 8 Nov. 2026
  • The attention was in the detail, from Summit’s mixing table looking like an old computer monitor to the speakers having a ’90s computer casing around them, to backup dancers wearing corporate attire dancing in cubicle-like structures.
    — Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of attire
Noun
  • For over 50 years, college football’s elite congregated in New Haven, for the Walter Camp Football Foundation awards dinner.
    — Kels Dayton, Hartford Courant, 9 Nov. 2026
  • The findings also suggest that at least some members of the ancient Siberian elite consumed weed for its intoxicating effects.
    — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 8 Nov. 2026
Definition of elite
Verb
  • Jayden Daniels threw his third touchdown pass of the game, a 32-yarder to Stefon Diggs with 57 seconds left, and the Washington Commanders rallied to defeat the New York Giants 24-21 on Thursday night in what was essentially a must-win game.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 13 Nov. 2026
  • Gateway defeated Doral Academy 35-17 Gateway (9-2) earned its first playoff game in the school’s 40-year history.
    — Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Nov. 2026
Definition of defeat
Adjective
  • The sinking marks a bittersweet coda to the era of gleaming behemoths that crossed the seas in elegant fashion.
    — Henry Larson, NPR, 12 Nov. 2026
  • Lack of crown aside (which, TBH, would be a bit much for an elegant small dinner), Tyler's makeup also felt extremely Arwen-esque.
    — Kara Nesvig, Allure, 11 Nov. 2026
Definition of elegant
Noun
  • Every guest gets one with a professional photographer, including hair, makeup, and costumes, from traditional to modern.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Nov. 2026
  • Don’t miss the Dolly Parton pet costume contest, First Responder Rescue Runway, car and bike show, food trucks, artists and vendors, Kids Zone and other activities.
    — Kari Barnett, Sun Sentinel, 11 Nov. 2026
Definition of costume
Noun
  • To prevent the seed heads from reseeding, do a preliminary light prune by trimming off the tops in fall, then cut the clumps back fully in spring.
    — The Spruce, The Spruce, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Detroit had tarps affixed to the top of its benches to protect players from the sun, a move not usually undertaken by visiting teams in November.
    — Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 8 Nov. 2026
Definition of top
Verb
  • To help employees overcome their fears about the technology, West Monroe holds weekly enablement sessions to showcase how fellow colleagues are innovating with AI and to ask questions about how to apply the technology to their own work.
    — S. Sorrina Beecher, Chicago Tribune, 13 Nov. 2026
  • Anchored by five turnovers on defense, including two interceptions by Davin Curry, the Oak Ridge (5-6) was able to overcome six turnovers.
    — Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Nov. 2026
Definition of overcome

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Cite this Entry

“Best.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/best. Accessed 15 Nov. 2026.

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