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
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
White set an intention after the 2021-22 season to better himself as a player and teammate, working on his physique and ballhandling in the offseason to transform into a well-rounded combo guard. Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 5 Feb. 2026 The Bolts lead the Atlantic Division and the Eastern Conference with 72 points, five ahead of the B’s, who despite a 11-2-1 January have not been able to better their playoff position from the second wild-card spot. Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 30 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for better
Recent Examples of Synonyms for better
Adjective
  • For her 38th birthday, Rih opted to embrace some special vintage Gucci.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 22 Feb. 2026
  • And coaching his daughter has been extra special.
    Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 Feb. 2026
Adverb
  • One of the more unique parts of The Galgorm is the lodges and cabins on the grounds, well-suited for families or groups.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Feb. 2026
  • But the biggest change people need to make is to wash their hair more often, which is very difficult with no heat and hot water.
    Sophia Panych, Allure, 24 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The man asks for a cigar and the jail superintendent doesn’t need to ask for his superiors’ permission.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 Feb. 2026
  • Around this time, a young Israeli national-security official reached the same conclusion and began urging his superiors to organize an internal coup against Assad.
    Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 6 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Arkansas climbed to a double-digit advantage, leading by as many as 14 points with two minutes left.
    Maddie Hartley, Kansas City Star, 22 Feb. 2026
  • Dr Amgad Rezk said the process offered significant advantages for industry, with an energy-efficient and scalable approach.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 21 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The complaint, filed in Florida’s Fourth Judicial Circuit Court in Duval County, seeks damages exceeding $50,000, not including interest and attorneys’ fees.
    Natalie La Roche Pietri, Miami Herald, 21 Feb. 2026
  • His voice waxed poetic about Louisiana and its beauty while also critiquing the cliches rendered as the only acceptable terms to discuss a place that exceeds description.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Potential projects will demonstrate ways to improve energy utilization, process efficiency and manufacturing throughput to ensure a steady supply of extreme environment materials for industrial markets and federal agencies, according to the details available.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 23 Feb. 2026
  • Reserve Jacari White led six players in double figures with 17 points for the Cavaliers (24-3, 12-2 ACC), who improved to 13-1 at home and beat the Hurricanes for the ninth time in their last 10 meetings.
    Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 22 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • All-day dining at The Common Room blurs culinary boundaries to curate an exceptional selection of prime cuts, succulent seafood, and specialty dishes, each meticulously prepared and enhanced with local flair.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Feb. 2026
  • It has been loved onto the screen by the ferocious talent of MK, the exceptional executives at HBO and the world-class production team in Wolf Studios Wales, where Bad Wolf has filmed every season.
    Joe Otterson, Variety, 25 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Food is colorful, local, and seasonal, using Hokkaido ingredients with a French edge, helmed by chef Tatsuya Ozeki.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Feb. 2026
  • On the other side of the argument, some investors say America’s edge is in innovation.
    Noelle Harff, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Better.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/better. Accessed 28 Feb. 2026.

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