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Definition of helpnext
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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

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
The clash with Thune defies months of cooperation that helped Trump usher his Cabinet and signature tax cuts through Congress. David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 16 Mar. 2026 Nine second quarter turnovers by the Warriors did not help the visitors cause, but Golden State still led 54-45 at the half. Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 16 Mar. 2026
Noun
Most people come out of childhood eating, using the bathroom, and speaking without help. Anna Moeslein, Glamour, 16 Mar. 2026 Gradual progression, proper form, mobility work, and adequate recovery help safely increase squat strength over time. Laura Schober, Health, 16 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for help
Recent Examples of Synonyms for help
Verb
  • Because the shooting occurred while police were present, the department asked the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension to assist in the investigation of this incident to avoid any possible conflict of interest.
    Kristi Miller, Twin Cities, 16 Mar. 2026
  • Utah State sharpened its game, the Aztecs erred too often, on both offense and defense, and the Aggies — yes, assisted by an officiating mistake that led to a pair of free throws — ran away to a 72-63 victory.
    Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Many Angelenos believe the city’s leaders have squandered billions in funds meant to alleviate the homelessness crisis and allowed unhoused people to take over public space.
    Matthew Ormseth, Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 2026
  • Michael said training, guidance and policies could help alleviate the potential risks associated with introducing AI into the workforce, such as when agents magnify or mask errors.
    Bloomberg, Mercury News, 10 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The Democratic senator, who voted for the USMCA trade pact in 2019, is calling for better labor standards, enforcement provisions, wage protections, and updates to origin requirements that prevent China from accessing the North American market through Mexico.
    Morgan Chalfant, semafor.com, 12 Mar. 2026
  • The finding has the potential to provide a longer runway to make the lifestyle changes that can help reduce risk, and could be used to better identify subjects who could benefit from participating in clinical trials seeking to prevent or treat neurodegenerative disease.
    Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • That’s despite analysts saying that spiraling oil prices due to Persian Gulf production blockages are benefiting the Russian economy.
    Rebecca Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2026
  • The project is expected to benefit local suppliers, contractors, and the broader economy.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 16 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
Noun
  • However, the buzz of the lobby and tight spaces throughout could make getting around the hotel a bit straining for those who require accessibility assistance.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Mar. 2026
  • This program was among the assistance efforts that Congress created in response to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, and was aimed at helping small businesses and non-profit organizations get through the immediate economic impact.
    Paula Wethington, CBS News, 10 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
Noun
  • None of the 140 children, teachers and staff inside the synagogue were injured, authorities said.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 14 Mar. 2026
  • Times staff writer Grace Toohey contributed to this report.
    Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 14 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Help.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/help. Accessed 17 Mar. 2026.

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