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 Former Apple designer Jony Ive, known for helping drive the world’s obsession with smartphones and other touch devices, has some thoughts on how to improve our relationship with technology. Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 7 Oct. 2025 Security cooperation with Taiwan is expected to continue improving under her government, while relations with China may grow more strained. Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Oct. 2025 But the league-wide outlook is improving. Brett Knight, Forbes.com, 7 Oct. 2025 Although both could be compelling novelties, neither improves the game. Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 7 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for improve
Recent Examples of Synonyms for improve
Verb
  • Keney innovations include RibbonFET, a new transistor architecture enabling efficient scaling, and PowerVia, a backside power delivery system enhancing energy flow.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2025
  • Cal Fire helicopter pilots will be training over three nights, starting Thursday, in the Sacramento area using night-vision goggles to enhance their ability to fight wildfires in the dark.
    Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 10 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The researchers also uncovered signs of immune and inflammation pathways involved in the disease, which could help guide treatment in the future.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2025
  • Trump’s plan also states that no Palestinian will be forced to leave the territory, and residents are instead encouraged to remain to help rebuild the territory.
    Callum Sutherland, Time, 9 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Improve.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/improve. Accessed 10 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on improve

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