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as in to benefit
to provide with something useful or desirable being independently wealthy certainly helped him during his years as a struggling young artist

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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help

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How is the word help distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of help are ameliorate, better, and improve. While all these words mean "to make more acceptable or to bring nearer a standard," help implies a bettering that still leaves room for improvement.

a coat of paint would help that house

In what contexts can ameliorate take the place of help?

Although the words ameliorate and help have much in common, ameliorate implies making more tolerable or acceptable conditions that are hard to endure.

tried to ameliorate the lives of people in the tenements

How do improve and better relate to one another, in the sense of help?

Both 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

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 help
Verb
These capabilities not only enhance the user experience but also help brands stay top of mind for potential customers by ensuring seamless discoverability and security. Lisa Box, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025 The award is presented in partnership with the non-profit organization Media For Texas, the state’s leading media advocacy whose mission is to help build out the entertainment industry across Texas. Emily Longeretta, Variety, 15 May 2025
Noun
There are several ways to get help filing your taxes. Ana Rocío Álvarez Bríñez, The Courier-Journal, 6 Feb. 2023 That’s when content teams should get some help from AI tools in handling the details. John Hall, Forbes, 5 Feb. 2023 See All Example Sentences for help
Recent Examples of Synonyms for help
Verb
  • Caroline Szczepaniak tallied a goal and assist for for Lemont (14-5, 9-0), while Gabriela Kuruc scored a goal and Ava Bergeson added an assist.
    Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2025
  • Mac Allister anticipates and intercepts a Lewis Hall pass before clipping a perfectly weighted ball ahead of Salah, who assists the Jones goal that makes it 1-1.
    Andy Jones, New York Times, 9 May 2025
Verb
  • Press coverage at the time of Alexander’s death focused in part on her operation of Anger Room, a business in Dallas where customers could alleviate stress by smashing items in rooms made to look like a workplace or a living area.
    Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 May 2025
  • This development alleviates pressures on the semiconductor industry, which has been impacted by supply chain disruptions and uncertain business conditions.
    Tony Zhang, CNBC, 14 May 2025
Verb
  • The Aggies and Sooners were declared co-champions of the SEC Softball Tournament after rain prevented the game from being played in Athens, Ga., on Saturday.
    Lauren Merola, New York Times, 12 May 2025
  • Stretching, massage, and proper posture are safer alternatives to neck manipulation that can help relieve or prevent neck pain and stiffness.
    Lindsay Curtis, Health, 12 May 2025
Verb
  • In Paris, the U.S. presented a framework deal that Kyiv's backers view as benefiting Moscow.
    Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 9 May 2025
  • Economist Tatsuo Hatta, president of the Asia Growth Research Institute, says opening up Japan’s rice market would benefit consumers.
    Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 8 May 2025
Verb
  • The program seeks to tackle the issue through nutrition, physical activity, cutting back on medications and improving food and drug quality and safety.
    Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA Today, 15 May 2025
  • Recently, it’s gained attention as a way to treat skin conditions and improve facial appearance.
    Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 14 May 2025
Noun
  • Go into its gang-run projects, offer the shot callers something of value, and ask for their assistance making the streets safer for schoolkids and grandmas, their own included.
    Paul Solotaroff, Rolling Stone, 11 May 2025
  • These organizations provide critical services, including support for human trafficking survivors, shelter for families escaping domestic violence, and financial assistance to women facing breast cancer.
    News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 May 2025
Noun
  • Coker and Moore have the advantage in roles department, while Chisena has the advantage with special teams.
    Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 13 May 2025
  • The Mavericks won the flip, earning the 0.1% advantage that incredibly resulted in their propulsion to the top of the order for the June 25 draft in New York.
    Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 13 May 2025
Noun
  • Oversee lodging operations, manage the staff and keep the guests happy.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 18 May 2025
  • Andonovski and his staff brought a few tactical wrinkles for Friday’s match.
    Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 17 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Help.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/help. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

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