BETTER Synonyms: 287 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

better 1 of 4

adjective

Definition of better next

as in special

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Relevance

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better

2 of 4

adverb

as in more

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

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better

3 of 4

noun

as in superior

one who is above another in rank, station, or office be polite to your betters and to your inferiors in equal measure

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as in advantage

the more favorable condition or position in a competition she got the better of her opponents very early in the race

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better

4 of 4

verb

as in to exceed

to be greater, better, or stronger than this year's profits should better last year's by a wide margin

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lose (to)

lose (to)

as in to improve

to make better social workers and reformers trying to better the lives of inner-city residents

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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