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
  • Thoughtful packaging enhances brand perception, encourages repeat purchases and boosts word-of-mouth.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
  • Some things in life are mood enhancing and for me one of those things are narrowing down the products that will make it in my suitcase for my summer excursions.
    Samantha Mims, Essence, 23 June 2025
Verb
  • A couple was left bewildered after discovering an unfamiliar cat helping itself to their own pet's food in a now-viral TikTok video that has left viewers on the platform in hysterics.
    Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 June 2025
  • Access to state-of-the-art textile manufacturing equipment is necessary to help improve processes at the nation’s plants, both in order to drive efficiency and cost-competitiveness.
    Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 20 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Improve.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/improve. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on improve

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