better 1 of 4

Definition of betternext

better

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adverb

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

better

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noun

better

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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
Here's what at-home betters should know. Ray Padilla, Louisville Courier Journal, 20 Feb. 2026 In addition, the FBI said Damon Jones, a former player and assistant coach for the Lakers, shared inside information about the health of LeBron James with betters back in 2023. Lz Granderson, Boston Herald, 28 Oct. 2025
Verb
Maybe that is a bit of a distraction from what the end goal actually is, which is to better the supply chain. Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 20 May 2026 Schwarber reached 20 homers on the earliest date in MLB history, according to Stats Perform, bettering Arizona's Luis Gonzalez, who hit his 20th on May 17, 2001. CBS News, 16 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for better
Recent Examples of Synonyms for better
Adjective
  • The office is prosecuting a former special forces soldier and Google employee for using inside information to make thousands on Polymarket.
    Katherine Faulders, ABC News, 13 June 2026
  • People put on cheongsams for special occasions, whether family celebrations or fundraising in the local Chinatown to help support China’s war efforts against the Japanese during World War II.
    Stephy Chung, CNN Money, 13 June 2026
Adverb
  • This change has fundamentally revolutionized the pace of innovation—shifting us away from incremental advances and toward more rapid, system-level transformations across science and engineering.
    Rachel Nuwer, Scientific American, 16 June 2026
  • One of the more common ways bear encounters escalate is when an off-leash dog runs toward a bear, annoys it, and then comes sprinting back to its owner with an angry predator in pursuit.
    Amber Harding OutKick, FOXNews.com, 16 June 2026
Noun
  • The president watched Israel assassinate his colleagues and superiors, faced accusations by ultra-conservative hardline politicians of compliance with Iran’s archenemy, the United States, and even oversaw a massive crackdown on protests.
    Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 12 June 2026
  • Gradually, Nawal skirts the limits of her job and begins her own investigation, entering spaces and conversations her male superiors either can’t, or might not think to.
    Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 8 June 2026
Noun
  • With the clock running down, the Spurs stayed cold but the Knicks couldn’t take advantage until OG Anunoby’s dunk with two minutes to go gave his team a three-point lead.
    Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 14 June 2026
  • But, of course, opposing fans have been using what has happened off ice to their advantage.
    Matt Reigle OutKick, FOXNews.com, 14 June 2026
Verb
  • Those bags must not exceed 12 inches x 6 inches x 12 inches (30 cm x 30 cm x 15 cm).
    Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 14 June 2026
  • Authorities said a trooper was patrolling northbound when a Honda Civic passed the patrol vehicle at speeds exceeding 90 mph.
    Brittany Miller, FOXNews.com, 14 June 2026
Verb
  • The Knicks improved to 4-0 in closeout opportunities this season, winning them all on the road.
    Tim Reynolds, Los Angeles Times, 14 June 2026
  • Parents and beauty enthusiasts alike praise its ability to smooth stubborn bumps and improve skin texture.
    Cheryl Fenton, Parents, 14 June 2026
Adjective
  • Each is 72+ pages long and features an exceptional design printed on premium paper.
    Big Think, Big Think, 18 June 2026
  • So to commemorate the occasion, the distillery team decided to release a pair of truly rare and exceptional age statement expressions.
    Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 17 June 2026
Noun
  • Puff sleeves, a scalloped hem, lace trim, and eyelet detailing give this top a soft, feminine edge.
    Jill Layton, PEOPLE, 19 June 2026
  • Rainwater tends to stockpile on the edges of roads.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 19 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Better.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/better. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.

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