better 1 of 4

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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better

2 of 4

noun

better

3 of 4

verb

better

4 of 4

adjective

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
Adverb
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
Noun
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
Verb
The hook is still in play, and a lot of betters seem to be biting on it. Hank Gola, New York Daily News, 5 Dec. 2024 In the dance of love there are no betters — there is only the pursuit of radical equality. Jimi Calhoun, Austin American-Statesman, 16 Apr. 2024
Adjective
Eight appearances in his first season were bettered by 23 in the next. Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 31 July 2025 While all striving to better the industry, Frisk, Metheringham and Shepherdson are each approaching sustainability differently in this new phase of their careers. Olivia Pinnock, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for better
Recent Examples of Synonyms for better
Adverb
  • Russia has a 50-year goal, to re-unite parts of the old Soviet Union; Ukraine has a more immediate goal, to stop the war and not give up any territory to do so.
    Richard Stengel, Time, 16 Aug. 2025
  • But the full picture is more complicated, experts told CNN.
    Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The attack was reminiscent of a drunken 2003 New Year’s Eve clash at a Staten Island firehouse that led to a firefighter being repeatedly struck with a chair and hospitalized, and a half-dozen firefighters and their superiors being suspended and reassigned for drinking on the job.
    Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 13 Aug. 2025
  • Accessibility and Sustainability There are two room types at the Adler Dolomiti that are wheelchair accessible, the family superior and the double-room superior.
    Tomeka Jones, Travel + Leisure, 3 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Do rules reflect actual AI usage patterns among teens? Equity Access: Can all students access the same AI tools, or do policies create advantages for families with premium subscriptions?
    Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2025
  • The teams are ranked third and fourth in the Western Conference standings, with Minnesota holding a three-point advantage with 41 points.
    Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Iceland, like Nashville, is experiencing a tourism boom, with visitor numbers exceeding the local population.
    Hadley Hitson, The Tennessean, 21 Aug. 2025
  • Nominate it as one of America's Top Workplaces In the Cato survey, released August 7, only 9% of Americans correctly identified the maximum annual Social Security benefit, which exceeds $60,000, on a multiple-choice list.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • To be fair to Apple, many AI techniques can be found in iOS over the last decade—machine learning to improve photographs being an obvious one that impacts the user experience.
    Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2025
  • Now is the time to improve your home’s ability to withstand hurricanes.
    Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 19 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The latest episode comes out at 6 p.m. Wednesday and includes special guest Taylor Swift, the superstar singer who is dating Travis Kelce.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 13 Aug. 2025
  • Governors of both states would need to call special legislative sessions to have the legislature redraw the maps.
    Erin Mansfield, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The Diamondbacks were given a slight edge on betting lines to win more games than the Padres.
    Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Aug. 2025
  • The square stones have rounded edges to prevent scratching, and there’s no unpleasant metallic taste.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • There has not been a player who has competed or surpassed a senior member in a position.
    Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2025
  • In his first seven months in office, Trump declared a national emergency at least 12 times, a feat that has surpassed any other modern president in recent times.
    Mabinty Quarshie, The Washington Examiner, 13 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Better.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/better. Accessed 24 Aug. 2025.

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