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 In an essay published Monday, Gates, who has long pushed for policies to limit the rise in temperatures, said resources should be diverted to improve life in warming parts of the world and improving the lives of people there. Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 28 Oct. 2025 That means two or more employees acting together ‒ or even one employee acting on behalf of others ‒ to improve working conditions, including pay, safety, or fairness. Johnny C. Taylor Jr, USA Today, 28 Oct. 2025 The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Washington Commanders 28-7 on Monday night at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, improving to 5-3 this season. Kansas City Star, 28 Oct. 2025 To that end, PRP and PRF can help improve skin tone, texture, crepiness and elasticity. Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 28 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for improve
Recent Examples of Synonyms for improve
Verb
  • The research team revealed that the findings of the study offer new insights into enhancing the performance of electrochemical systems, including batteries, fuel cells, and sensors.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Some of these technologies are essential for ensuring the proper functioning of the service or website and cannot be disabled, while others are optional but serve to enhance the user experience in various ways.
    Walden Green, Pitchfork, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Drinkwitz has helped the Tigers get talented players and stay in contention, but Mizzou will always have a difficult path in the SEC.
    Chris Vannini, New York Times, 30 Oct. 2025
  • The Air Force's largest military cargo aircraft was used to lift an amphibious screw tractor to the site to help with ice removal.
    Virginia Chamlee, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on improve

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