improve

Synonym Chooser

How is the word improve distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of improve are ameliorate, better, and help. While all these words mean "to make more acceptable or to bring nearer a standard," 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

When is it sensible to use ameliorate instead of improve?

Although the words ameliorate and improve 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

When would help be a good substitute for improve?

While the synonyms help and improve are close in meaning, help implies a bettering that still leaves room for improvement.

a coat of paint would help that house

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 improve Pollination season was windy, cold and rainy — but supply chain problems began to improve and inventory came down. Annika Merrilees, Sacbee.com, 7 June 2025 Levy said that if the political climate doesn’t improve, business for him will likely be even worse in 2026. Jason Carroll, CNN Money, 7 June 2025 Doing so not only creates a tidier physical space but also improves mental space since you’re not left dwelling on what to do with your things. Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 June 2025 Conditions are not expected to significantly improve anytime soon. Caroline Petrow-Cohen, Los Angeles Times, 7 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for improve
Recent Examples of Synonyms for improve
Verb
  • As disparate data sources come together through intelligent ETL processes enhanced by AI, the next step is managing the security, authentication and role-level access of the different departments and users.
    Lori Schafer, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • Rainy weather driving tips Switch on headlights - Even during daylight hours, using headlights can enhance visibility and signal your presence to other drivers.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 9 June 2025
Verb
  • Even without White, the trio has helped the Fever climb back to .500, as Indiana defeated Chicago, 79-52, in the first WNBA game played at the United Center with a Sky-record 19,496 in attendance.
    Ben Pickman, New York Times, 8 June 2025
  • Hazen’s team has been fielding queries from researchers ranging from economists to neuroscientists, who are keen to see if the approach can help.
    Philip Ball, Wired News, 8 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Improve.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/improve. Accessed 23 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on improve

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