better 1 of 4

Definition of betternext

better

2 of 4

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

4 of 4

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

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

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

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
In addition, the FBI said Damon Jones, a former player and assistant coach for the Lakers, shared inside information about the health of LeBron James with betters back in 2023. Lz Granderson, Boston Herald, 28 Oct. 2025 The two companies are teaming up to enhance the viewing experience for NBA betters. Jeff Marks, CNBC, 30 Sep. 2025
Verb
Vanderbilt has noticed strides the 21-year-old Thiero, who has played in 17 NBA games this season, has taken to better his game. Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 2 Mar. 2026 Players like Buzelis and Giddey brush this off, emphasizing their commitment toward bettering the team through the final weeks of the season. Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 2 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for better
Recent Examples of Synonyms for better
Adjective
  • Given toads held special significance of toads in many southwestern Chinese cultures, archaeologists had to deduce that the drum carried not only music, but deeper messages and meanings.
    Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 15 Mar. 2026
  • The February special-election results were a further blow.
    Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 15 Mar. 2026
Adverb
  • The longer the conflict goes, the more pronounced questions about the midterms will become.
    Rebecca Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2026
  • And the longer the war drags on, the more likely that there will be shortages and price increases on a wide range of goods.
    SAM McNEIL, Arkansas Online, 17 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • All three had been asked by their superiors to replace the plates on their cars but refused, McNicholas said.
    Fedor Zarkhin, Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 2026
  • Polymeropoulos described a case involving a serviceman who was treated at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and recommended for the Purple Heart by his superiors.
    Brit McCandless Farmer, CBS News, 8 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • And that’s the exact advantage Mansfield Summit’s smothering defense created in the Class 5A Division II state championship.
    Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Mar. 2026
  • Joveljić, along with Stephen Afrifa, set up an insurance goal by Johnsen in the 74th minute for a 2-0 advantage.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 15 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Demand for copper also exceeds reserves, making Peruvian stocks the beneficiaries of existing structural and supply constraints.
    Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 14 Mar. 2026
  • Impact cratering is a short-time, high-energy geological event in which conditions are created that exceed conditions of nuclear bomb explosions.
    Leonard David, Space.com, 14 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Sacramento improved to 4-9 in back-to-back situations 24 hours after beating the Los Angeles Clippers.
    Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 16 Mar. 2026
  • The completion of the project reflects continued efforts by RTX and Raytheon to expand manufacturing capacity, improve operational efficiency, and strengthen the technological capabilities that support national and allied security.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 16 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The exceptional craft, artistry and innovation behind these titles shines through.
    Arushi Jacob, Variety, 18 Mar. 2026
  • The Career Achievement Award recognizes an individual whose exceptional body of work and creative contributions have made a significant impact on media and culture.
    Paul Grein, Billboard, 18 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Samara Weaving returns with sharper edges, this time facing off against four families in a plot that veers toward global domination.
    Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 20 Mar. 2026
  • The neighborhood/area Hotel June sits at the northern edge of Malibu, just a few minutes from the Pacific Coast Highway, putting the coast and Santa Monica Bay at your doorstep.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Better.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/better. Accessed 20 Mar. 2026.

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