better 1 of 4

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
But Democrats and other critics said the state could use the $10 million for better purposes and questioned how it would be determined that migrants voluntarily agreed to be transported. Jim Saunders, Sun Sentinel, 7 Feb. 2023 Despite his better instincts, a 20-year-old man went to a Gary apartment complex on Nov. 2, 2017 to sell 1.5 ounces of marijuana to his co-worker. Meredith Colias-Pete and Rebecca Jacobs, Chicago Tribune, 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
In the dance of love there are no betters — there is only the pursuit of radical equality. Jimi Calhoun, Austin American-Statesman, 16 Apr. 2024 Conversely, credit card delinquencies declined for sports betters, a trend that showed up a couple years after legalization and surprised Hollenbeck. Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 26 July 2024
Verb
That flood of information has, accordingly, permitted Russia and Ukraine to better target populations with propaganda. Mick Ryan, Foreign Affairs, 21 Feb. 2025 One aspect addressed this year was how to better film plays. Graham P. Johnson, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for better
Recent Examples of Synonyms for better
Adjective
  • Aside from all the market fun, there are other draws, like free yoga classes at sunrise, live music, food demonstrations, and other special events.
    Skye Sherman, Southern Living, 22 Mar. 2025
  • Photos and videos: Family photos, vacation videos, special events like weddings or graduations and other personal memories that cannot be recreated.
    Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, Fox News, 22 Mar. 2025
Adverb
  • For example, areas off Cape Cod, which has long been known as a hotspot for white sharks, saw far more frequent detections.
    Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
  • But this was a far more complete and smooth weekend for the seven-time world champion than last time around.
    Luke Smith, The Athletic, 23 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Staffers charged restaurant dinners and even some family vacations to the magazine, often at their superiors’ urging.
    Nathan Heller, The New Yorker, 15 Mar. 2025
  • Already, several states, including Rhode Island, have enacted reforms designed to strike a balance—to make officers more responsive to community complaints without leaving them at the whims of their superiors in uniform.
    Marc J. Dunkelman, TIME, 27 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Many felt more comfortable with traditional propeller planes, despite the Comet’s advantages.
    Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
  • What are the advantages of planting grass seed in the fall instead of spring?
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 14 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • According to the study, amounts of metals found in the cookies often exceeded limits set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for drinking water.
    Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 17 Mar. 2025
  • Currently being adapted into an animation series slated for summer release, pre-registrations on Tencent Video for the series have already exceeded 830,000.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 17 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The defense improved, holding the Bluejays to 5-for-20 shooting over the final 15 minutes while the Huskies cut their deficit to three at the 6:31 mark, but ultimately paid for their early mistakes.
    Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 15 Mar. 2025
  • While occupancy improved from 54% in Q4 2024 to 60% in Q1 2025, with average room rates rising from $238 to $320 per night, the property recorded a staggering $321.8 million impairment charge in Q4 2024, dragging down Allegiant’s otherwise solid airline performance.
    Jackie Snow, Quartz, 15 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Less Than 1% Of Brackets Remain Perfect On First Day Of Tournament Don't Overlook Humility Technical skills and strategic thinking are vital, but humility is one of the most defining traits of exceptional leaders.
    Julian Hayes II, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
  • When William finally appears in person late in the game, the faceoff between him and Eddie is worth the wait if only just to see these two exceptional actors go at it.
    Pete Hammond, Deadline, 20 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Underlying these advances are robust AI infrastructures, such as Stargate and the AI RAN Alliance, which enhance edge computing capabilities.
    Cathy Hackl, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
  • In addition, the Pentagon's future stealth bomber, the B-21 Raider, will have many of the same cutting edge technologies in advanced materials, AI, propulsion and stealth.
    TARA COPP THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, arkansasonline.com, 22 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Better.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/better. Accessed 27 Mar. 2025.

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