1
as in surpassing
to be greater, better, or stronger than
this year's profits should better last year's by a wide margin
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in improving
to make better
social workers and reformers trying to better the lives of inner-city residents
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in constructive
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
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 bettering
Nick Miller, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
The set posts 200k in first-week units, not only besting even its Blurryface total from 2015, but also bettering the debut number from any other rock album yet this decade.
—Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 23 Sep. 2025
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
During the event, Mayor Craig Greenberg spoke about the importance of higher education and educators in bettering the city of Louisville.
—Lillian Metzmeier, Louisville Courier Journal, 19 Sep. 2025
Karras' nonprofit began as a grassroots fundraiser for the Village of Merici in 2016, and has quickly expanded into a Cincinnati sensation, collaborating with local programs focusing on bettering the community.
—Hailey Roden, The Enquirer, 10 Aug. 2025
Adjective
Buruk was part of the Galatasaray team that won four in a row between 1996 and 2000, under Fatih Terim, so the prospect of equalling and even bettering that record (no Turkish team has ever won more Super Ligs in a row) is enough to get you out of bed in the morning.
—Nick Miller, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
The set posts 200k in first-week units, not only besting even its Blurryface total from 2015, but also bettering the debut number from any other rock album yet this decade.
—Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 23 Sep. 2025
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
During the event, Mayor Craig Greenberg spoke about the importance of higher education and educators in bettering the city of Louisville.
—Lillian Metzmeier, Louisville Courier Journal, 19 Sep. 2025
Karras' nonprofit began as a grassroots fundraiser for the Village of Merici in 2016, and has quickly expanded into a Cincinnati sensation, collaborating with local programs focusing on bettering the community.
—Hailey Roden, The Enquirer, 10 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bettering
Verb
-
This naturally gluten-free carb source packs 38% of the magnesium DV per cup, surpassing the amount found in more popular grains and pseudocereals like quinoa and oats.—
Jillian Kubala,
Health,
1 Oct. 2025
-
In just the first seven months, the city has already welcomed more than 636 medium- and large-scale projects, including 46 fiction films — surpassing the total for all of last year — 33 series, and over 260 commercials.—
Georg Szalai,
HollywoodReporter,
1 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The concept is raising concerns that the bloc is still too slow in improving its deterrence options, however.—
Silvia Amaro,
CNBC,
1 Oct. 2025
-
Needham analyst Tom Nikic said that while top-line trends were improving, there were still some pain points, including incremental tariff headwinds.—
Vicki M. Young,
Footwear News,
1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
To foster constructive disagreements, organizations should encourage individuals to modify their observable behaviors during conflicts.—
Harvard Business Review,
Harvard Business Review,
2 Oct. 2025
-
These debates serve as models for constructive dialogue.—
Ron Barrett,
The Conversation,
2 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Families with incomes not exceeding 200% of the federal poverty level are eligible to participate in Wisconsin Shares, and may remain eligible until their income reaches 85% of the state median income.—
Jessie Opoien,
jsonline.com,
1 Oct. 2025
-
As of late August 2025, the department reported a backlog exceeding 1 million pending IDR applications.—
Suzanne Blake,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Matcha has higher concentrations of theanine and catechins, enhancing its brain-boosting potential.—
Sarah Bence,
Verywell Health,
1 Oct. 2025
-
In addition, with support from Michael Kors, WFP will be able to equip 30 schools with solar panels, upgraded kitchens and improved classrooms, enhancing the learning environments for more than 3,000 students.—
Lisa Lockwood,
Footwear News,
1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
William, 43, has been supportive of his father following Buckingham Palace’s announcement in Febuary 2024 that the monarch was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer.—
Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa,
FOXNews.com,
1 Oct. 2025
-
Toward the end of his introduction, a few audience members could be heard shouting supportive exclamations for Mamdani, before Goldberg turned in her seat to address them live on the air.—
Joey Nolfi,
Entertainment Weekly,
1 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Organizers announced an official attendance of 112,408, eclipsing the 110,905 mark set by George Strait at Texas A&M’s Kyle Field last year.—
Joel Hoard,
Rolling Stone,
28 Sep. 2025
-
And earlier this month, Ellison briefly became the richest person in the world, eclipsing Elon Musk, as Oracle’s stock exploded on its prognostications for its booming AI business.—
Hadas Gold,
CNN Money,
26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
But Under Strain The Total and Permanent Disability discharge program, which offers debt relief to student loan borrowers who are unable to engage in substantial, gainful employment due to a medical impairment, is still available.—
Adam S. Minsky,
Forbes.com,
25 July 2025
-
The gainful employment rule is intended to help students avoid low-value programs that leave them with too much debt and minimal earning potential.—
Kamaron McNair,
CNBC,
2 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Bettering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bettering. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share