better 1 of 4

Definition of betternext

better

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adverb

as in more
to a greater or higher extent he knows property law better than anyone else

Synonyms & Similar Words

better

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noun

better

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word better distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of better are ameliorate, help, and improve. While all these words mean "to make more acceptable or to bring nearer a standard," improve and better are general and interchangeable and apply to what can be made better whether it is good or bad.

measures to further improve the quality of medical care
immigrants hoping to better their lot

When might ameliorate be a better fit than better?

The synonyms ameliorate and better are sometimes interchangeable, but ameliorate implies making more tolerable or acceptable conditions that are hard to endure.

tried to ameliorate the lives of people in the tenements

When can help be used instead of better?

The words help and better can be used in similar contexts, but help implies a bettering that still leaves room for improvement.

a coat of paint would help that house

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 better
Adjective
On Tuesday Biden touted increases in Border Patrol staffing and also increased fentanyl seizures at the border, which officials have said shows that apprehension is getting better. Adam Shaw, Fox News, 8 Feb. 2023 The White House, ahead of the speech, paired police reform with bringing down violence, suggesting that giving police better training tools could lead to less crime nationwide. Zeke Miller and, BostonGlobe.com, 7 Feb. 2023
Adverb
In related news, Emma Foehringer Merchant wrote a fascinating story for Undark about researchers creating a repository of birds and bats killed at solar and wind farms, to better understand why they’re getting killed and how to prevent it. Sammy Rothstaff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 7 Feb. 2023 Last year, the office held listening sessions in Grove Hall, Roxbury, Mattapan, and Jamaica Plain to better understand the needs of women and gender-expansive individuals. Tiana Woodard, BostonGlobe.com, 7 Feb. 2023
Noun
Here's what at-home betters should know. Ray Padilla, Louisville Courier Journal, 20 Feb. 2026 In addition, the FBI said Damon Jones, a former player and assistant coach for the Lakers, shared inside information about the health of LeBron James with betters back in 2023. Lz Granderson, Boston Herald, 28 Oct. 2025
Verb
Schwarber reached 20 homers on the earliest date in MLB history, according to Stats Perform, bettering Arizona's Luis Gonzalez, who hit his 20th on May 17, 2001. CBS News, 16 May 2026 Schwarber reached 20 homers on the earliest date in MLB history, according to Stats Perform, bettering Arizona's Luis Gonzalez, who hit his 20th on May 17, 2001. ABC News, 15 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for better
Recent Examples of Synonyms for better
Adjective
  • Depending on direct or indirect exposure by private creditors and special purpose vehicles to public banks, this may wipe out investors and trigger a broader recession.
    Rakesh Kumar, Fortune, 30 May 2026
  • Enjoy an afternoon of tie-dying and/or bleach-dying with music, food, drinks and a special beer release.
    Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 30 May 2026
Adverb
  • The look is brighter and more elegant, but noted chef Fulvio Pierangelini’s fresh, modern Tuscan cuisine—which showcases the local seasonal bounty— is as good as ever.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
  • The first batches of votes include the earliest voters, who tend to be more decisive and engaged than the general public.
    Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2026
Noun
  • Investigations, reviews and outside probes In the midst of the overpayment debate, the unemployment insurance division devolved into a series of investigations, reviews of those investigations and spiraling distrust between staff and superiors, labor department documents obtained by The Post show.
    Sam Tabachnik, Denver Post, 31 May 2026
  • Where Krick is busy grandstanding, the darling of his men and superiors, the ever unpopular Stagg urges caution.
    Daniel Jonah Wolpert, NPR, 29 May 2026
Noun
  • The Monarchs banged out 10 hits, stole three bases and took advantage of nine walks, six errors, four hit batters and three wild pitches.
    Don Norcross, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 May 2026
  • Coffey added eight rebounds and continues to further take advantage of the opportunity she has been given with her hometown team.
    Mike Cook, Twin Cities, 30 May 2026
Verb
  • Additive manufacturing material consumption in the energy sector is expected to exceed USD 800 million by 2034, and nuclear is the fastest-growing segment, according to MPW.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 30 May 2026
  • According to the Worldpay report, consumer openness drops sharply as purchase values rise, especially once transactions exceed even $1,000, and that skepticism is understandably justified.
    Jacques Ledbetter, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026
Verb
  • And access to health care and drinking water should be improved.
    Tommy Trenchard, NPR, 31 May 2026
  • Lewis was unapologetic about his efforts to use the courts as a vehicle for improving the lives of ordinary Floridians, and especially those who struggled.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 31 May 2026
Adjective
  • Where on one hand, the likes of Stark have enjoyed exceptional sales numbers, LiveWire has been struggling quite a bit.
    Utkarsh Sood June 03, New Atlas, 3 June 2026
  • Things do not go down without a hitch, despite Hollis’s exceptional menu planning and hosting abilities.
    Alessandra Codinha, InStyle, 3 June 2026
Noun
  • The mattress on the bed was a little short and my bare feet hung off the edge, beyond the light white sheet.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 29 May 2026
  • All that was left of the snow was shoveled into melting mounds at the edges of intersections and crosswalks.
    Jourdan Rodrigue, New York Times, 28 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Better.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/better. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.

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