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

Quilt of Parks is an effort to improve existing parks and plazas downtown by adding green spaces, plazas and gardens, and connecting them in a pedestrian-friendly way, according to the city. —Arkansas Online, 9 Sep. 2025

Other states, such as Texas, use the money as an incentive for hospitals to improve their performance in treating patients. —Phil Galewitz, NPR, 9 Sep. 2025

Without practical guidance on how to build or improve workflows, users stick to familiar methods and advanced features go unused. —Al Sefati, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025

Some areas of Michigan's Great Lakes remained dangerous early Friday, Aug. 29, for beach-goers, with waves up to 6 feet and dangerous currents, but conditions are expected to improve for the three-day Labor Day weekend. —Sarah Moore, Freep.com, 31 Aug. 2025