better 1 of 4

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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
Instead, Netflix’s latest gazes across deeper ideological divides: freedom versus security, the people versus their bureaucratic betters. Graham Hillard, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 7 Mar. 2025 According to Ayers, the following five public health measures could help curb addiction among sports betters: Use more of the taxes imposed on sports betting to pay for addiction services. Simon Spichak, Health, 1 Mar. 2025
Adjective
Relay success boosted Team USA’s total gold medal haul to 16, bettering the record of 14 the team set at the 2005, 2007 and 2019 championships, with five silver and bronzes apiece taking the total medal count to 26. Jack Bantock, CNN Money, 21 Sep. 2025 But right now, my generation is two teams fighting against each other and not coming together to better our country. Eli Thompson, Rolling Stone, 20 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for better
Recent Examples of Synonyms for better
Adverb
  • He is seen as a younger, more moderate voice – having vowed to clean up politics, initiate discussions on constitutional reform and allow married couples to use separate surnames, something currently banned under law.
    Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Both the music mogul's supporters and detractors have sent letters to the judge urging either a more lenient or harsher sentence.
    Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Maigret’s unconventional methods and unique sense of justice put him at odds with his superiors and the judicial system he is supposed to represent.
    Jessica Radloff, Glamour, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Her superiors saw her as a natural choice because of her constructive relationship with Bukele during her term as ambassador.
    T. Christian Miller, ProPublica, 30 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Securing the Shield ensures the top seed for Philly and home-field advantage throughout the MLS Cup playoffs for a team that has quietly gone about a consistent season without grabbing much in the way of attention.
    The Athletic Staff, New York Times, 5 Oct. 2025
  • For today’s leaders, this means approaching every critical business decision with a mindset that considers how AI can deliver a competitive advantage.
    Derya Matras, Fortune, 4 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Nylander needs to replicate and probably exceed last season’s 45-goal campaign.
    Jonas Siegel, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Collier said costs can easily exceed that in the most severe flood situations.
    Tamia Fowlkes, jsonline.com, 6 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • As Gabriel improves and the rapport builds, Bond could turn into a fantasy WR4 given his ability.
    Jake Ciely, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Now is the time to improve your home’s ability to withstand hurricanes.
    Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Make no mistake, though, this footballing mecca, where the turnstiles closed for the final time 25 years ago this week, was a truly special place.
    Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Receiving that nomination, specifically for that album, was just so special.
    Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 7 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Rainwater tends to accumulate at the road edges.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Rainwater tends to gather along the road edges.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 4 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Rival studio estimates are even higher, with some predicting the film could surpass $35 million in its opening weekend.
    Mitchell Peters, Billboard, 4 Oct. 2025
  • The first movie was a surprise post-quarantine box office success, surpassing $161 million worldwide.
    Glenn Garner, Deadline, 4 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Better.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/better. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

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