best 1 of 3

adjective

Definition of bestnext
as in Sunday

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Relevance

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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
Apponequet deserves to stay in the top-10 by hanging with many of the state’s bests as well. — Tom Mulherin, Boston Herald, 20 May 2026 Njoku, a Pro Bowl selection in 2023 after setting career bests with 81 catches for 882 yards and six touchdowns, gives Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert another target for the 2026 season. — Elliott Teaford, Oc Register, 19 May 2026
Verb
This was a record turnaround among SpaceX launches from Space Coast launch pads at 2 hours and 54 minutes besting October’s double launch that saw a Falcon 9 launch at CCSFS just eight hours, 42 minutes after a Falcon Heavy launch at KSC. — Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 June 2026 Miguel Vargas bested the Royals early with a two-run homer in the first inning. — Kansas City Star, 28 June 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
  • Even a 73-year-old shopper was impressed by its stylish, comfortable fit.
    — Destinee Scott, Travel + Leisure, 6 July 2026
  • The culotte-style stretchy shorts are equal parts comfortable and stylish, and the high-neck top can be worn either tucked-in or down and loose.
    — Jill Layton, PEOPLE, 4 July 2026
Definition of stylish
Noun
  • But this year, according to a dress code reviewed by The Athletic, women have been told that strapless, off-the-shoulder and spaghetti-strap attire is not permitted, with illustrations of appropriate and inappropriate wear for both men and women.
    — Nick Miller, New York Times, 4 July 2026
  • Shop More Loft Sales Talbots is the destination for elegant travel outfits and office-ready attire.
    — Rylee Johnston, PEOPLE, 4 July 2026
Definition of attire
Noun
  • That initial ruling also triggered a furious response from her nationalist allies at home and abroad, feeding an anti-establishment narrative of an elite conspiring to shut them out.
    — Melissa Bell, CNN Money, 7 July 2026
  • While the elite pick up their paddles after a vampiric rest in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber, 87% of Americans (out of 5,000 surveyed in December 2025) believe the country is in a crisis because of its unaffordability.
    — Hunter Lacey, Allure, 7 July 2026
Definition of elite
Verb
  • Michelin said defeating the current version of the measure is California Retailers Association’s top priority of all the bills that are still pending in the Legislature.
    — Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 11 July 2026
  • The Texas Rangers defeated the Los Angeles Angels 7-6 at Globe Life Field on Thursday night to reclaim first place in the American League West.
    — Cal Phillips Updated July 9, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 July 2026
Definition of defeat
Adjective
  • Her presence helps define the smart way Little Fish positions itself along the borderlines of casual and fancy, quirky and elegant.
    — Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
  • These elegant, loose-fitting pull-on pants sit high on the waist, creating a leg-lengthening effect.
    — Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2026
Definition of elegant
Noun
  • Indian star couturier and Bollywood costume designer Manish Malhotra made his debut on the Paris couture calendar this season.
    — Laure Guilbault, Vogue, 10 July 2026
  • The costume design course was announced earlier this year, alongside the appointment of three-time Oscar-winning costumer designer Sandy Powell as its ambassador.
    — Alex Ritman, Variety, 9 July 2026
Definition of costume
Noun
  • The Angels then chased Eovaldi when Logan O’Hoppe walked and Wade Meckler singled, driving in a run as the top of the order came to the plate.
    — Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 10 July 2026
  • The canoe dug into the top of my spine, biting harder every step.
    — John Todd, Outdoor Life, 9 July 2026
Definition of top
Verb
  • The rookie point guard overcame early shooting struggles to lead all scorers with 25 points.
    — Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 5 July 2026
  • The telecommunications giant’s fight to end landline service is playing out in the FCC and federal court, amid an underlying battle over how much power the agency has to overcome decisions by states.
    — Ethan Baron, Mercury News, 4 July 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 12 Jul. 2026.

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