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
These elites believe parents, shoppers, and business owners cannot be trusted to weigh costs and benefits for themselves; they must be manipulated by their betters. Krista Kafer, The Denver Post, 16 Apr. 2024 This represents a 35% increase in individual betters, and they were expected to wager a total of $23.1 billion, a monetary increase of 44% above last year. Megan Poinski, Forbes, 12 Feb. 2024
Verb
By ensuring equitable access, communities can help pave pathways to better brain health outcomes for everyone. Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 15 Jan. 2025 The issue then becomes how to better safeguard inmates against exploitation — and provide them with a future beyond bars. Brenna Ehrlich, Rolling Stone, 11 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for better 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for better
Adjective
  • Join Fox News for access to this content Plus special access to select articles and other premium content with your account - free of charge.
    Michael Ruiz, Fox News, 14 Feb. 2025
  • There’s always a kerfuffle when gospel artists cross over to secular music, but Sapp’s new EP arrives under special circumstances.
    Kyle Denis, Billboard, 14 Feb. 2025
Adverb
  • Modeled on an idea from Sen. Elizabeth Warren, the Massachusetts Democrat, the agency has drawn sharp criticism from leaders of the financial industry and, more recently, from the new Trump administration.
    Daniel de Visé, USA TODAY, 17 Feb. 2025
  • The Ukrainian military estimates that more than 100,000 Russian soldiers have died in the war, and as many as 750,000 more been injured.
    Matthew Medsger, Boston Herald, 17 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Agents had to get approval from their superiors before making arrests in these locations.
    Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 1 Feb. 2025
  • Now that Peter has proven himself, will his superiors trust him to fix this?
    Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 27 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • As industries across manufacturing, energy, and logistics embrace this transformation, the stakes for competitive advantage have never been higher.
    Peter Bendor-Samuel, Forbes, 18 Feb. 2025
  • Another avenue for lawsuits against non-generative AI use is legal protections for trade secrets; trade secrets, which provide a competitive business advantage, are not known or shared with the public and reflect efforts designed to keep information secret.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 18 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Mahomes’ touchdown-to-interception ratio in the playoffs (5.4-to-1) also exceeds his regular season rate (3.3-to-1).
    Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 9 Feb. 2025
  • None of them exceeded expectations quite the way O’Connell did.
    Dane Mizutani, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Founded in 1996, ZERO Prostate Cancer has been dedicated to improving and saving lives affected by prostate cancer through advocacy, education, awareness and support.
    Caché McClay, USA TODAY, 20 Feb. 2025
  • David Gibbs, the chief executive officer of Yum Brands, said in a statement that bringing employees together would improve the company culture and hone talent.
    Victor Mather, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The forward owner’s suite is also full beam, offering up space and exceptional water views.
    Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 11 Feb. 2025
  • Photo by Rita Harper Day 4: Fly over alligators, bite into barracuda, and hunt antiques Grab a quick (but exceptional) quiche at the hotel Columns before a 20-minute drive to the Maurepas Swamp, northwest of New Orleans.
    Jenny Adams, AFAR Media, 11 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • There was a pervasive sense of indignation from current and former European officials, who have funneled significant aid to Ukraine and are deeply worried about how a ceasefire deal could impact the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's (NATO) eastern edge.
    Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 15 Feb. 2025
  • The Pirates got to almost every loose ball and played with an edge that was nowhere to be found for the Huskies.
    Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 15 Feb. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near better

Cite this Entry

“Better.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/better. Accessed 23 Feb. 2025.

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