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

Synonym Chooser

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

Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of ameliorate Is there any way to soften that or ameliorate that? —

Jen Chaney, Vulture, 1 July 2024 Other research, including a 2023 study that followed more than 6,700 older adults, indicates that travel could also ameliorate cognitive decline. —

Corey Buhay, Outside Online, 27 Nov. 2024 But such a bleak outcome can still be ameliorated through inclusive diplomacy, a national dialogue, and an international commitment to rebuilding the Lebanese state. —

Mohanad Hage Ali, Foreign Affairs, 1 Nov. 2024 Carbonic anhydrase inhibition ameliorates tau toxicity via enhanced tau secretion. —

Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for ameliorate