IMPROVE Synonyms: 57 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

improve

verb

im-ˈprüv

Definition of improve next

as in to enhance

to make better a little salt would improve this bland food

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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

Examples of improve in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web With better access to screening and more personalized care, the 2024 FDA guidelines offer new hope for improving breast cancer detection and outcomes. —

Sandra Rose Salathe, Flow Space, 4 Oct. 2024 How to Boost Your Well-Being There is a lot of useful advice on improving your well-being. —

Kelley Swing, Rolling Stone, 4 Oct. 2024 The drought monitor recently updated its three-month outlook for the state, showing that the northern half of Ohio's drought will be removed entirely or at least improved in the near future. —

Nathan Hart, The Enquirer, 20 Sep. 2024 Although its programs utilize private sector money, it was created by the government to improve the flow of funds to businesses. —

Trevor Clawson, Forbes, 20 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for improve

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'improve.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.