AMELIORATE Synonyms: 57 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'ameliorate' distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of ameliorate are better , help , and improve . While all these words mean "to make more acceptable or to bring nearer a standard," ameliorate implies making more tolerable or acceptable conditions that are hard to endure. // tried to ameliorate the lives of people in the tenements

Q: When is 'help' a more appropriate choice than 'ameliorate'?

The meanings of help and ameliorate largely overlap; however, help implies a bettering that still leaves room for improvement. // a coat of paint would help that house

Q: How are the words 'improve' and 'better' related as synonyms of 'ameliorate'?

Both 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

ameliorate

verb

ə-ˈmēl-yə-ˌrāt

Definition of ameliorate next

as in to improve

to make better social legislation that must be given credit for ameliorating the lot of millions of deprived people

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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How is the word ameliorate distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of ameliorate are better, help, and improve. While all these words mean "to make more acceptable or to bring nearer a standard," ameliorate implies making more tolerable or acceptable conditions that are hard to endure.

tried to ameliorate the lives of people in the tenements

When is help a more appropriate choice than ameliorate?

The meanings of help and ameliorate largely overlap; however, help implies a bettering that still leaves room for improvement.

a coat of paint would help that house

How are the words improve and better related as synonyms of ameliorate?

Both 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

Examples of ameliorate in a Sentence

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Recent Examples on the Web Over the last five years, the state government has spent some $24 billion to ameliorate homelessness, which, according to polls, is California’s most troublesome issue. —

Dan Walters, The Mercury News, 24 Sep. 2024 Yes to Education, once led by former New York Times Education editor Jacques Steinberg, worked tirelessly to ameliorate the effects of the Supreme Court decision. —

Scott White, Forbes, 14 Sep. 2024 Raisi is already facing massive economic problems at home—with potentially explosive consequences for the regime—and such measures would aim to pressure him into reviving the JCPOA, which could ameliorate those difficulties. —

Mohammad Ayatollahi Tabaar, Foreign Affairs, 2 Nov. 2021 Other company policies will help to ameliorate inequality while boosting overall financial performance, such as granting employees equity stakes. —

Paul Rissman, Forbes, 13 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for ameliorate