1
as in assists
to provide (someone) with what is useful or necessary to achieve an end
offered to help her widowed father when he moved into an apartment
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2
as in relieves
to make more bearable or less severe
the new ointment didn't help Josh's sunburn one bit
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3
as in prevents
to keep from happening by taking action in advance
they couldn't help the way things turned out
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4
as in benefits
to provide with something useful or desirable
being independently wealthy certainly helped him during his years as a struggling young artist
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5
as in improves
to make better
some minor revisions would help this essay immensely
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of helps
The wraparound design stays securely in place thanks to an adjustable strap, which helps to relieve discomfort on the neck, chin, and back.
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Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 11 Jan. 2026
When the weather turns chilly, plants naturally enter a state of dormancy and draw energy down from their leaves and stems into their roots, which helps plants survive the cold without damage.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Jan. 2026
Parents are encouraged to participate in their baby’s care through techniques like kangaroo care (skin-to-skin contact), which helps stabilize vital signs and supports development.
—Memorialcare Medical Group, Oc Register, 10 Jan. 2026
In addition to being moisture-wicking, the shearling lining helps to naturally adjust to your body’s temperature, keeping feet cool and dry.
—Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 10 Jan. 2026
Kindness paired with practical plans helps every promise land beautifully.
—Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 10 Jan. 2026
Homemade Hollandaise sauce adds bright zing and helps the poached egg feel more luxurious.
—Amanda Stanfield, Southern Living, 10 Jan. 2026
Covering your windows properly helps maintain a more stable indoor temperature, minimizing condensation buildup on windows.
—Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 10 Jan. 2026
The species has an adhesive plate on its head that helps to create a kind of vacuum seal, allowing the fish to grab a whale and hang on for the ride.
—CNN Money, 8 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for helps
Verb
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Sometimes the Fire and Rescue Department assists a farmer/fellow firefighter rescue a cow that had fallen through the ice.—
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This role assists with event and daily parking logistics, coordinates staffing, monitors traffic flow, and helps maintain vendor relationships and customer service standards.—
Verb
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That thick sole relieves pressure and pain, especially pain associated with conditions like plantar fasciitis.—
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This deep tissue massage relieves tension in my head, neck, and shoulders without any effort.—
Verb
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However, most apple juices available for purchase have vitamin C added as ascorbic acid, an antioxidant that prevents discoloration and improves the juice's shelf life.—
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The agency said it’s been blocked from sharing information since last year when state lawmakers passed The Rex and Brody Act, which prevents public access to autopsy photos and reports of minors killed through domestic violence.—
Verb
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Here, perched on the Atlantic, Miami can offer a rich variety of seafood straight from the ocean, as well as farm fresh produce which benefits from a long, sunny growing season.—
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Remember, the entire body also benefits from simple everyday movements—taking the stairs instead of the elevator, walking instead of driving, and even shopping in-person instead of ordering online—and the benefits of regular exercise for all aspects of health can’t be understated.—
Verb
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Ending the government shutdown would ease the situation for controllers, but the FAA said the flight cuts will remain in place until their safety data improves.—
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Nix will only be on a rookie contract for so long, and the Broncos’ cap situation improves significantly in 2026.—
Verb
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Soft-close cabinetry is another staple of 2026 kitchen design, according to the report, a trait that not only aids durability but also prevents jarring noises.—
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Leaving branches in place until the tree is established yields better foliage growth that aids root establishment in the first year after transplanting.—
Verb
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Unrivaled alleviates the need for that by allowing players to remain stateside in a competitive league.—
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As with many treatments that involve the brain, there are theories about how the device alleviates depression, but little certainty, says Wilkinson.—
Verb
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The Corps project averts potential catastrophic flooding that could lay siege to about 475,000 residents, California and the nation, according to the government’s court documents.—
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Today’s agreement, struck on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in South Korea, averts another escalation of tensions between the world’s two great powers.—
Cite this Entry
“Helps.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/helps. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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