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

Examples 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
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 Medill’s attempt to clean up the joint and persuade Chicago’s working class to obey its betters would soon go awry. Margaret Talbot, The New Yorker, 2 Oct. 2023
Verb
Since 2018-19, only Liverpool (with 7.6 per game in 2021-22) have bettered that in a Premier League campaign, but 2024-25 City are down at 4.9 final-third regains a match — that’s their lowest such figure under Guardiola. Liam Tharme, The Athletic, 21 Nov. 2024 By Scott Hocker, The Week US published 1 November 2024 Those who know, know: A good kitchen knife is an investment that betters your today and alters your future. Scott Hocker, theweek, 1 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for better 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for better
Adjective
  • The days leading up to Christmas are some of the most special—when our homes are filled with twinkling lights, cheerful decorations, and the cozy, unmistakable feeling of holiday magic.
    Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 10 Dec. 2024
  • Details of a special fan presale will be shared with those signed up for White’s newsletter, while remaining tickets will go live at 10 a.m (GMT) on Thursday (Dec. 12).
    Sophie Williams, Billboard, 10 Dec. 2024
Adverb
  • Research conducted by the Urban Institute found that medical debt is more common in the South and among people in low-income ZIP codes.
    Gretchen Morgenson, NBC News, 13 Dec. 2024
  • Blanket preemptive pardons remain on table A far more delicate political calculation for Biden will be whether to offer blanket pardons to shield individuals who Trump has threatened.
    Joey Garrison, USA TODAY, 13 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Even when those circumstances existed, agents had to get approval from superiors in order to plan an arrest in a sensitive location.
    Julia Ainsley, NBC News, 11 Dec. 2024
  • Your actions and interactions at these gatherings can have a significant impact on how you're perceived by colleagues and superiors alike.
    Jack Kelly, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Ole Gunnar Solskjaer took advantage in December 2019, while Ten Hag got the better of the eventual treble winners in January 2023, who at that point were struggling to get up to speed after the Qatar World Cup.
    Sam Lee, The Athletic, 14 Dec. 2024
  • However, researching, analyzing your current workforce, implementing a singular strategy, filling in the gaps and using technology to your advantage are good ways to start reimagining the structure of your workforce.
    Virginia Poly, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • The debts of only those people aged 70 and over exceed the total amount of all Social Security benefits that will be paid out this year.
    Next Avenue, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
  • Just don’t exceed 1,000 micrograms of total daily folate, the NIH says, as high doses can hide or exacerbate B12 deficiency and potentially increase risks of colorectal cancer.
    Jamie Ducharme, TIME, 17 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • His work focuses on how art and technology may improve learning settings.
    Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 16 Dec. 2024
  • The Bucks improved to 11-1 all-time in NBA Cup games, with their only loss coming in the semifinal last year.
    Jacob Lev, CNN, 15 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • So those things are most challenging to teach: getting off the ball, range, making exceptional plays, his pre-pitch timing.
    Fabian Ardaya, The Athletic, 10 Dec. 2024
  • The hotel’s exceptional attention to detail in indigenous design and tailored service, along with its commitment to sustainability and the preservation of the local ecosystem, adds an enriching layer to your stay.
    Joe Niehaus, Travel + Leisure, 9 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Then use a thin metal spatula to loosen bars around the edges of the pan.
    Sheena Chihak, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Dec. 2024
  • Read More: See Photos from the Raging Franklin Fire in Malibu Much of the devastation occurred in Malibu, a community of about 10,000 people on the western edge of Los Angeles known for its stunning bluffs and Zuma Beach, which features in many Hollywood films.
    Christopher Weber, TIME, 11 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near better

Cite this Entry

“Better.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/better. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

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