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
Shafiq Najib, ABC News, 15 Mar. 2026
The jovial actor can hardly nab a bite of the restaurant’s famous cheesy garlic bread without someone asking for a selfie or sharing well wishes for the movie, which is vying for a record-breaking 16 awards at the March 15 ceremony, including best picture.
—Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 14 Mar. 2026
Dallas Morning News, 16 Mar. 2026
All these people in their Sunday best.
—Will Croxton, CBS News, 15 Mar. 2026
Matthew Villafane, CBS News, 16 Apr. 2026
As every fan points out, these players are all stupid for letting a legend as good as Cirie get this far, but please, keep getting bested by a legend.
—Brian Moylan, Vulture, 16 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for best
Adjective
See who won best picture, which films took home the most Oscars and more.
—Shafiq Najib, ABC News, 15 Mar. 2026
The jovial actor can hardly nab a bite of the restaurant’s famous cheesy garlic bread without someone asking for a selfie or sharing well wishes for the movie, which is vying for a record-breaking 16 awards at the March 15 ceremony, including best picture.
—Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 14 Mar. 2026
Noun
But Pickens wants a long-term deal, and 2025 brought lots of career-bests for him in a contract year.
—Dallas Morning News, 16 Mar. 2026
All these people in their Sunday best.
—Will Croxton, CBS News, 15 Mar. 2026
Verb
In Central Park, the high was 90 degrees, besting the previous record of 87 from 1941.
—Matthew Villafane, CBS News, 16 Apr. 2026
As every fan points out, these players are all stupid for letting a legend as good as Cirie get this far, but please, keep getting bested by a legend.
—Brian Moylan, Vulture, 16 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for best
Recent Examples of Synonyms for best
Noun
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For Grylls, however, the attire is a uniform for a job that bridges the gap between A-list glamour and rugged human experience.—
Khloe Quill,
FOXNews.com,
21 Apr. 2026
-
Out to Brunch A mid-day event that requires slightly dressier attire can sometimes stump me, but wearing this jacket, shorts, and heeled sandals has proven to be an ideal combination for comfort and style.—
Rachel Trujillo,
PEOPLE,
19 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The former shared their hobby with Javanese aristocrats and other elites, and the latter collaborated with local artisans who supplied the materials to serve Indonesian customers.—
H.M.A. Leow,
JSTOR Daily,
17 Apr. 2026
-
Despite being an oil-producing country experiencing modest economic growth, young people say the benefits have not trickled down beyond the elites.—
Claudio Lavanga,
NBC news,
17 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Quilted jackets are stylish, both lightweight and insulated, easy to layer, and conveniently packable, too.—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
18 Apr. 2026
-
This two-piece strikes the right balance between casual and stylish.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
17 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
In one scene, he was seen holding a stack of newspapers while standing near a newsstand, surrounded by extras in full period costume.—
Deirdre Durkan,
PEOPLE,
21 Apr. 2026
-
Ubwdu Lace Ballet Sneakers These sneakers feel like a subtle nod to the balletcore trend without going full costume.—
Chaise Sanders,
Travel + Leisure,
21 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Use a bag bungee Trying to balance a travel tote on top of a rolling suitcase is a disaster waiting to happen, especially when navigating crowded terminals.—
Samantha Leal,
Travel + Leisure,
18 Apr. 2026
-
This used to be Syed Murtaza Sadar’s home in Kabul, on top of the barber shop and public bath that was his family’s business.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
18 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Caroline Spadorcia went 2-for-4 with two doubles, two runs and two RBI as Archbishop Williams (4-3) defeated Latin Academy, 6-3.—
Tyler McManus,
Boston Herald,
18 Apr. 2026
-
Hamadeh was elected to a reliably red West Valley district in 2024 after being defeated by Mayes in 2022.—
Arizona Republic,
AZCentral.com,
17 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
This elegant opera house hosts numerous events, mostly opera and ballet.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
11 Apr. 2026
-
The smooth, fluid drape reads elegant, and the fabric has a soft silk sheen that holds up beautifully in a suitcase.—
Paris Wilson,
Travel + Leisure,
11 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The individual nature of these conflicts meant the season lacked the catharsis of an entire team coming together to face the unimaginable with bravery and grace.—
Selome Hailu,
Variety,
20 Apr. 2026
-
Whereas the original book trilogy saw Tris choose Dauntless, the faction of bravery, in The Sixth Faction, tragedy strikes at her Choosing Ceremony, where her decision thrusts her into an underground rebellion.—
Glenn Garner,
Deadline,
19 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Best.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/best. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.
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