meliorate

verb

me·​lio·​rate ˈmēl-yə-ˌrāt 

ˈmē-lē-ə-

meliorated; meliorating

: ameliorate

melioration

ˌmēl-yə-ˈrā-shən 

ˌmē-lē-ə-

noun

meliorative

ˈmēl-yə-ˌrā-tiv 

ˈmē-lē-ə-

adjective

meliorator

ˈmēl-yə-ˌrā-tər 

ˈmē-lē-ə-

noun

Synonyms

• ameliorate
• amend
• better
• enhance
• enrich
• help
• improve
• perfect
• refine
• upgrade

Examples of meliorate in a Sentence

regulations intended to meliorate the working conditions of factory workers

Recent Examples on the Web

And facing my feelings head-on by engaging with a beautifully observed piece of art helps meliorate the loneliness that goes hand-in-hand with loss. —Rachel Wilkerson Miller, SELF, 28 Feb. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin melioratus, past participle of meliorare, from Latin melior better; akin to Latin multus much, Greek mala very

First Known Use

1542, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

meliorate

verb

me·​lio·​rate ˈmēl-yə-ˌrāt 

ˈmē-lē-ə-

meliorated; meliorating

: to make or become better : improve

melioration

ˌmēl-yə-ˈrā-shən 

ˌmē-lē-ə-

noun

meliorative

ˈmēl-yə-ˌrāt-iv 

ˈmē-lē-ə-

adjective