Synonyms of improve

improve

verb

im-ˈprüv 

as in to enhance

to make better

a little salt would improve this bland food

Synonyms & Similar Words

• enhance
• help
• better
• refine
• amend
• remedy
• upgrade
• remediate
• ameliorate
• perfect
• enrich
• reinforce
• strengthen
• correct
• intensify
• rehabilitate
• meliorate
• boost
• rectify
• reform
• revise
• refurbish
• fine-tune
• edit
• rework
• revamp
• fine
• fortify
• polish
• reenforce
• hone
• emend
• beef (up)
• redraft
• rehab
• retouch
• touch up

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• worsen
• impair
• hurt
• harm
• damage
• injure
• reduce
• spoil
• tarnish
• vitiate
• flaw
• diminish
• disfigure
• lessen
• blight
• mar
• lower
• deface
• endamage
• blemish

Synonym Chooser

How is the word improve distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of improve are ameliorate, better, and help. 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 is it sensible to use ameliorate instead of improve?

Although the words ameliorate and improve have much in common, ameliorate implies making more tolerable or acceptable conditions that are hard to endure.

tried to ameliorate the lives of people in the tenements

When would help be a good substitute for improve?

While the synonyms help and improve are close in meaning, help implies a bettering that still leaves room for improvement.

a coat of paint would help that house

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of improve

It's improved out of sight since then – and while Razgatlıoğlu's WSBK rider's championship last year is the first time in the modern era that a BMW has beaten the world's best in a road racing series, Toprak's in an excellent position to take it again in 2025. —Joe Salas may 25, New Atlas, 25 May 2025

Mercury Square Mars Is Intensely Dramatic and 2 Zodiac Signs Are at Their Breaking Point Taurus (April 19-May 20) Get ready for opportunities to improve finances now and in the year ahead, Taurus. —Kyle Thomas, People.com, 25 May 2025

States that already have this protection in place have no buyer’s remorse – in fact, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul recently signed legislation to improve their program by reducing the waiting period for striking workers to access unemployment insurance. —Ed Hawthorne, Hartford Courant, 25 May 2025

The Sparks improved to 2-3 overall and earned their first home win this season. —John W. Davis, Oc Register, 25 May 2025