better 1 of 4

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
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 Buschatzke and others argue that a better and more equitable approach would be to start accounting for evaporation and other water losses from the reservoirs and along the river in the Lower Basin. Los Angeles Times, 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
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 Conversely, credit card delinquencies declined for sports betters, a trend that showed up a couple years after legalization and surprised Hollenbeck. Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 26 July 2024
Verb
With this acquisition, Richer Poorer will now be folded into Andie’s high-performing e-commerce operations, enabling the brand to better leverage data to drive customer acquisition, optimize inventory and accelerate growth. Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 13 May 2025 This decision comes on the heels of her finally adjusting to her job, clicking with her team and loving how her work betters the planet. Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 9 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for better
Recent Examples of Synonyms for better
Adjective
  • The news arrives just days before Duran Duran kick off their European and U.K. tour with Rodgers and CHIC joining as special guests.
    Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 2 June 2025
  • McDonnell is a Times staff writer and Sánchez Vidal is a special correspondent.
    Patrick J. McDonnell, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2025
Adverb
  • But union leaders and housing advocates argued, Wednesday, that the city should push developers to commit to more affordable housing before expanding a special financing district for the project.
    Annika Merrilees, Sacbee.com, 5 June 2025
  • After 12 weeks, the black bean group participants had reduced inflammatory markers, which was more significant than that of the chickpea or rice eaters.
    Sarah Garone, Health, 5 June 2025
Noun
  • After Massey’s death, it was revealed that Grayson previously worked for five law enforcement agencies and had been the subject of citizen complaints and criticism from superiors who questioned his competence.
    Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune, 1 June 2025
  • In interviews, the soldiers complained of lack of leave, corruption among superiors and the indifference of their compatriots.
    Anatoly Kurmanaev, New York Times, 17 May 2025
Noun
  • Sam Bennett, who scored twice in Florida’s Game 1 loss, capitalized on the man advantage with the game’s first goal.
    Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 7 June 2025
  • Even among guards, the ability for a taller player to see over the defense can be an advantage when making reads.
    Lev Akabas, Sportico.com, 6 June 2025
Verb
  • Traditional taxis cost less than half that, but the journey can exceed 90 minutes in traffic.
    Amira El-Fekki‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 May 2025
  • Although the stock has since bounced back and exceeded its previous highs – achieving $130.18 in May 2025 – its past indicates susceptibility to macroeconomic challenges.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
Verb
  • Levy said that if the political climate doesn’t improve, business for him will likely be even worse in 2026.
    Jason Carroll, CNN Money, 7 June 2025
  • Pollination season was windy, cold and rainy — but supply chain problems began to improve and inventory came down.
    Annika Merrilees, Sacbee.com, 7 June 2025
Adjective
  • The site is exceptional: The North Branch of the Chicago River winds through its full length, offering an opportunity to weave parkland through the development.
    Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 1 June 2025
  • All of our leathers are carefully selected from the finest tanneries in the world for their exceptional quality and functional capability.
    Felicity Carter, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025
Noun
  • In a Venezuelan election, running as an incumbent gives you the sort of edge that any unscrupulous and power-hungry leader around the world can only fantasize about.
    Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 3 June 2025
  • This creates a competitive vulnerability, especially in algorithmic trading, where uniqueness can deliver billions in edge.
    Christer Holloman, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Better.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/better. Accessed 12 Jun. 2025.

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