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
Laster allegedly sold this information to two betters for about $100,000. Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 9 Mar. 2026 Here's what at-home betters should know. Ray Padilla, Louisville Courier Journal, 20 Feb. 2026
Verb
Maybe that is a bit of a distraction from what the end goal actually is, which is to better the supply chain. Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 20 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. CBS News, 16 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for better
Recent Examples of Synonyms for better
Adjective
  • The talks will include US Vice President JD Vance, Jared Kushner and the US special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff.
    Mitchell McCluskey, CNN Money, 21 June 2026
  • No one enters without a hotel reservation or special pass.
    Gabriela Aoun Angueira, Los Angeles Times, 21 June 2026
Adverb
  • This durable hardside suitcase fits travel clothes, shoes, beauty tools, and more with ease thanks to its spacious design.
    Madeline Merinuk, PEOPLE, 23 June 2026
  • His far-right allies are openly advocating for a more permanent presence and continued operations.
    Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 23 June 2026
Noun
  • The investigation, according to the archives, cited several factors as contributing to the tragedy, including Holland’s disregard of procedures, the failure of superiors to take previous action and the inadequate preparation of crew members aboard the doomed plane.
    Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 16 June 2026
  • The president watched Israel assassinate his colleagues and superiors, faced accusations by ultra-conservative hardline politicians of compliance with Iran’s archenemy, the United States, and even oversaw a massive crackdown on protests.
    Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 12 June 2026
Noun
  • Dalal said their son played there daily with his friends, taking advantage of a club policy that allows children under five to enter without a membership.
    Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 21 June 2026
  • The comedian, 38, best known for his role as the acerbic gay best friend Elliott Goss in HBO’s Search Party, chose our meeting place to take advantage of the balmy late-May weather and to say goodbye to the neighborhood.
    CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 20 June 2026
Verb
  • Those bags must not exceed 12 inches x 6 inches x 12 inches (30 cm x 30 cm x 15 cm).
    Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 20 June 2026
  • The agreement also includes an option for the city to extend the contract for two additional one-year terms, with costs not to exceed $19,550 annually in 2027 and 2028.
    Garrett Behanna, CBS News, 20 June 2026
Verb
  • How airlines and airports can do better Maglione and Riccobono both said that training and implementing new technology can go a long way toward improving the flying experience for blind travelers.
    Zach Wichter, USA Today, 22 June 2026
  • The Sparks improved to 7-0 in games when the four-time All-Star has six-plus assists (Plum had seven), and the team posted a season-high 28 assists.
    Joaquin Ruiz, Los Angeles Times, 22 June 2026
Adjective
  • Each is 72+ pages long and features an exceptional design printed on premium paper.
    Big Think, Big Think, 18 June 2026
  • So to commemorate the occasion, the distillery team decided to release a pair of truly rare and exceptional age statement expressions.
    Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 17 June 2026
Noun
  • Puff sleeves, a scalloped hem, lace trim, and eyelet detailing give this top a soft, feminine edge.
    Jill Layton, PEOPLE, 19 June 2026
  • Rainwater tends to stockpile on the edges of roads.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 19 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Better.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/better. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.

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