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
Lucy Maguire, Vogue, 14 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
Eric Stephens, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2026
The small, spry breed just became eligible for the Westminster show this year, and Millie bested about 10 other farmdogs Tuesday afternoon to get to the evening round.
—Jennifer Peltz, Chicago Tribune, 3 Feb. 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
Tuesday afternoon, on the first day of men’s trade show Pitti Uomo, around 180 menswear aficionados, influencers and industry insiders paraded through the streets of Florence in their Sunday best.
—Lucy Maguire, Vogue, 14 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 Southern Alberta club last played on Thursday, besting the Diamond Valley Rockies in a shootout.
—Eric Stephens, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2026
The small, spry breed just became eligible for the Westminster show this year, and Millie bested about 10 other farmdogs Tuesday afternoon to get to the evening round.
—Jennifer Peltz, Chicago Tribune, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for best
Recent Examples of Synonyms for best
Noun
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Among the accessories Queen Camilla added to her attire, the queen consort added a black statement hat with a deep green feather.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
10 Feb. 2026
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The festival gave guests 21 and older — who were encouraged to wear winter attire in blues and whites — an opportunity to visit a tarot card reader, play nostalgic carnival games, sip craft beer, snack on gourmet bites, browse a build-your-own flower bar and participate in a live auction.—
Point Loma-Ob Monthly,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
10 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
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For, as of early summer 2026, the British Pullman welcomes Celia; an extraordinary new private dining and events carriage imagined and designed by visionary filmmaker Baz Luhrmann and Oscar-winning costume and production designer, Catherine Martin.—
Connor Sturges,
Condé Nast Traveler,
10 Feb. 2026
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The acclaimed Australian filmmaker has teamed up with Oscar-winning costume and production designer Catherine Martin to create a dazzling new private dining and events carriage for the British Pullman.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
10 Feb. 2026
Noun
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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
-
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
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In 2022, Horvath won her supervisorial seat, defeating former Assembly Speaker Bob Hertzberg, a political veteran.—
David Zahniser,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Feb. 2026
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Landsman, a Cincinnati Democrat, defeated Sonza 54% to 46% in 2024.—
Erin Glynn,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
7 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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And after all, luxury isn’t a price point, but an elegant state of mind.—
John Monaco,
InStyle,
7 Feb. 2026
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The cap-sleeve, cotton-blend top features an elegant, drapy design in the front.—
Melony Forcier,
Travel + Leisure,
6 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
But nothing compared to Vietnam when showcasing Black bravery, strength, and even political expression in the war zones of Southeast Asia.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
6 Feb. 2026
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In the sub-zero temperatures of winter, everyday Minnesotans have showed the nation their bravery, empathy and decency in the face of rogue agents masquerading as law enforcement officers.—
The Editorial Board,
Oc Register,
5 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Best.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/best. Accessed 12 Feb. 2026.
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