Thesaurus

help

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

verb

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Synonyms & Antonyms of help

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 to provide (someone) with what is useful or necessary to achieve an end

offered to help her widowed father when he moved into an apartment

Synonyms for help

Words Related to help

sustain

Phrases Synonymous with help

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Antonyms for help

hinder

2 to make more bearable or less severe

the new ointment didn't help Josh's sunburn one bit

Synonyms for help

Words Related to help

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Antonyms for help

3 to keep from happening by taking action in advance

they couldn't help the way things turned out

Synonyms for help

Words Related to help

anticipate,
provide

save

Near Antonyms for help

4 to provide with something useful or desirable

being independently wealthy certainly helped him during his years as a struggling young artist

Synonyms for help

Words Related to help

succeed,
work (for)

aid,
assist

better,
improve

bless

Near Antonyms for help

hinder,
impede

5 to make better

some minor revisions would help this essay immensely

Synonyms for help

Words Related to help

retouch,
touch up

Near Antonyms for help

Antonyms for help

worsen

help

noun

Synonyms & Antonyms of help (Entry 2 of 2)

1 an act or instance of helping

I could use your help getting this tire back on the car

Synonyms for help

Words Related to help

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Antonyms for help

hindrance

2 a thing that helps

the computer is a great help for writing reports

Synonyms for help

Words Related to help

support,
sustenance

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Antonyms for help

3 a body of persons at work or available for work

it's so hard to get good help these days

Synonyms for help

Words Related to help

blood

support

Frequently Asked Questions About help

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