IMPROVE Synonyms: 57 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

improve

verb

im-ˈprüv

Definition of improve next

as in to enhance

to make better a little salt would improve this bland food

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 improve Advertisement Chatsworth 77, Crespi 72: The Chancellors improved to 6-0 with the road victory. —

Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 14 Dec. 2024 Will housing costs go down in 2025? While the national housing shortage remains, inventory levels are gradually improving and poised to increase further in 2025, the NAR said. —

Jalen Williams, Detroit Free Press, 14 Dec. 2024 What’s happening Jana called on Markel to improve its insurance operations and explore a separation or sale of its private investments business. —

Kenneth Squire, CNBC, 14 Dec. 2024 Focus on building lasting relationships with users who actively test and improve your product. —

Andrey Sergeenkov, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for improve