[go: up one dir, main page]

better 1 of 4

Definition of betternext

better

2 of 4

adverb

as in more
to a greater or higher extent he knows property law better than anyone else

Synonyms & Similar Words

better

3 of 4

noun

better

4 of 4

verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word better distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of better are ameliorate, help, and improve. 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 might ameliorate be a better fit than better?

The synonyms ameliorate and better are sometimes interchangeable, but ameliorate implies making more tolerable or acceptable conditions that are hard to endure.

tried to ameliorate the lives of people in the tenements

When can help be used instead of better?

The words help and better can be used in similar contexts, but 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 better
Adjective
On Tuesday Biden touted increases in Border Patrol staffing and also increased fentanyl seizures at the border, which officials have said shows that apprehension is getting better. Adam Shaw, Fox News, 8 Feb. 2023 The White House, ahead of the speech, paired police reform with bringing down violence, suggesting that giving police better training tools could lead to less crime nationwide. Zeke Miller and, BostonGlobe.com, 7 Feb. 2023
Adverb
In related news, Emma Foehringer Merchant wrote a fascinating story for Undark about researchers creating a repository of birds and bats killed at solar and wind farms, to better understand why they’re getting killed and how to prevent it. Sammy Rothstaff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 7 Feb. 2023 Last year, the office held listening sessions in Grove Hall, Roxbury, Mattapan, and Jamaica Plain to better understand the needs of women and gender-expansive individuals. Tiana Woodard, BostonGlobe.com, 7 Feb. 2023
Noun
Her Canadian Open title win showcased the teenager’s ability to keep calm and carry on when elders and betters are losing their heads. Tim Ellis, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2025 Betting on a certain player to record a hit or strike out a certain number of betters might be a better play than trying to predict the winner of an individual game. Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 July 2025
Verb
The world as a whole feels sorry for them from a distance and see them as powerless to better their lives and therefore weigh on our resources. Leo Barraclough, Variety, 12 Nov. 2025 Even in very difficult circumstances, there was always this feeling of optimism, of belief in being able to better our world. Kathleen Rellihan, Outside, 22 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for better
Recent Examples of Synonyms for better
Adjective
  • Nowadays, Khloé Kardashian will only accept one very special boy in her bed.
    Ingrid Vasquez, PEOPLE, 8 Jan. 2026
  • The defensive coordinator, who has a special relationship with his longtime pupil, is happy to see Scott on the upswing.
    Mike Kaye January 8, Charlotte Observer, 8 Jan. 2026
Adverb
  • Add reserved maraschino cherry juice, adding more as needed, and stir until smooth.
    Heather Riske, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Jan. 2026
  • Or, wear it with work pants, skirts, or dresses for more formal occasions.
    Averi Baudler, PEOPLE, 10 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Since the operation that captured Maduro, numerous generals have effectively disappeared, failing to report to their units or communicate with superiors.
    Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 6 Jan. 2026
  • In Humphrey Cobb’s 1935 novel about a trio of French soldiers condemned to death at random by their cowardly superiors, Kubrick found a perfect vessel for his obsessions.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 31 Dec. 2025
Noun
  • From roster makeup to individual position battles to the coaches looking to exploit any advantage on the field, every bit of film is scrutinized to see which team has the advantage in January.
    J.J. Bailey, New York Times, 12 Jan. 2026
  • Despite being given three power plays in the first, the B’s were not good at all on the man advantage.
    Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 12 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • After a debut season that exceeded even generous expectations, can the show do it all over again?
    Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 6 Jan. 2026
  • But simply getting on the long list far exceeded Alexan’s expectations.
    Jeff Banowetz, Chicago Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The Carolina Panthers’ defense improved in almost every major statistical category from 2024 to 2025.
    Mike Kaye January 8, Charlotte Observer, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Tapascott said everything improves when weight drops, from acceleration to braking and efficiency.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Together, these innovations position the D19 not only as a high-performance SUV but also as a vehicle engineered for exceptional control and confidence in a variety of driving conditions.
    Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 10 Jan. 2026
  • The Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes Waubonsee graduates who demonstrate exceptional achievement and meaningful, ongoing contributions to their professions, communities and alma mater, the release said.
    Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 9 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Rye whiskey is the drier and spicier cousin of bourbon with an herbaceous edge, an edge which (as with the Sazerac, La Louisiane and others) is given a few dozen exclamation points with a dash of absinthe.
    Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 10 Jan. 2026
  • Cake mix, lemon pie filling, and butter come together in the oven to create crisp edges and a gooey, citrusy center, while a little cream cheese in the mix rounds out the lemon’s brightness.
    Maggie Meyer Glisan, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Jan. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Better.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/better. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on better

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!