HELPS Synonyms: 221 Similar and Opposite Words

helps

verb

present tense third-person singular of help

as in assists

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in relieves

to make more bearable or less severe the new ointment didn't help Josh's sunburn one bit

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as in prevents

to keep from happening by taking action in advance they couldn't help the way things turned out

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as in benefits

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

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as in improves

to make better some minor revisions would help this essay immensely

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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 helps Choose the space, silence, or gentle boundary that helps your nervous system settle. — Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 6 Aug. 2026 This process helps redefine identity and find new avenues for skills and values, proving that professional identity isn't erased when a job title disappears. — Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2026 Researchers looked at differences between the modern human and Neanderthal genomes and identified distinct genetic changes in Neanderthals’ growth hormone receptor—a key cell protein that helps regulate growth throughout the body. — Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 5 Aug. 2026 The vaccine helps reduce the risk of severe illness, including hospitalization and death. — Youri Benadjaoud, ABC News, 5 Aug. 2026 In short, the serum helps to anchor hair at the root, prevent major shedding, and much more. — Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 5 Aug. 2026 Nia’s vulnerability helps further disarm Lala, who seems to actually want to meet in the middle. — Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 30 July 2026 Getting ahead of those conversations helps prevent misunderstandings once households merge and rent is due. — Ashley Lynch, Charlotte Observer, 29 July 2026 Meeting the right person at the right time always helps, and so does being open to someone coming in with an unexpected offer. — Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for helps

Verb

The electrical system recovers energy during braking and assists the gasoline engine, but the car cannot travel on electricity alone and never needs to be plugged in.

— Josh Max, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
In early 2021, Jesse would receive help from Roof Above, which is a nonprofit that assists people who are experiencing homelessness get back on their feet.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of assists

Verb

This can be observed in heart failure patients with an implant that relieves strain on their heart by helping pump blood through their bodies.

— Andrew Coletti, Popular Science, 29 July 2026
The lubricant injection Ohtani received a week ago relieves symptoms for a short period of time, usually a few months.

— Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 19 July 2026

Definition of relieves

Verb

The key to most waterproof formulas are waxes or silicones, which protect the pigments from water and prevents it from breaking down.

— Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 3 Aug. 2026
Cut-flower food also prevents bacteria in the vase’s water and maintains the pH level to reduce water bubbles that can clog stems.

— Sheryl Geerts, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of prevents

Verb

During the news conference, speakers emphasized that expungement benefits everyone — not just people with old criminal records like Stewart and Woods.

— Alula Alderson, Sacbee.com, 5 Aug. 2026
Who benefits from the festival Sundance’s move to Boulder was supported by substantial public incentives.

— Tim Komarek, The Conversation, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of benefits

Verb

Communities will debate whether AI improves access to knowledge or deepens dependence on a few private platforms.

— Gerui Wang, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
A couple of other gaming headsets, including SteelSeries' Arctis Nova Pro Wireless, have swappable batteries, but Glorious' approach improves upon that with its little internal battery that keeps you connected and in the game while swapping.

— Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of improves

Verb

Emerge now aids nearly 1,900 survivors through complex legal processes and offers a crucial reintegration program for young women aging out of state care at 18, teaching vital life skills.

— Afdhel Aziz, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
The movie focuses on a murder of a shepherd unraveled by his flock, which aids a somewhat hapless rural policeman in solving the crime.

— David Folkenflik, NPR, 23 July 2026

Definition of aids

Verb

The author's experience shows caution, though slower, averts problems, contrasting with industry's rapid deployments that often encounter issues.

— Shannon McKeen, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
The deal averts a ballot referendum that backers from the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association said would’ve reigned in expansive local real estate taxes.

— Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 26 June 2026