meliorate

verb

me·​lio·​rate ˈmēl-yə-ˌrāt How to pronounce meliorate (audio)
ˈmē-lē-ə-
meliorated; meliorating
Synonyms of melioratenext
: ameliorate
melioration
ˌmēl-yə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce meliorate (audio)
ˌmē-lē-ə-
noun
meliorative
ˈmēl-yə-ˌrā-tiv How to pronounce meliorate (audio)
ˈmē-lē-ə-
adjective
meliorator
ˈmēl-yə-ˌrā-tər How to pronounce meliorate (audio)
ˈmē-lē-ə-
noun

Synonyms of meliorate

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Examples of meliorate in a Sentence

regulations intended to meliorate the working conditions of factory workers

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of meliorate was in 1542

Rhymes for meliorate

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Browse Nearby Words

Meliolales
meliorate
melioration
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Cite this Entry

“Meliorate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/meliorate. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

meliorate

verb
me·​lio·​rate ˈmēl-yə-ˌrāt How to pronounce meliorate (audio)
ˈmē-lē-ə-
meliorated; meliorating
: to make or become better : improve
melioration
ˌmēl-yə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce meliorate (audio)
ˌmē-lē-ə-
noun
meliorative
ˈmēl-yə-ˌrāt-iv How to pronounce meliorate (audio)
ˈmē-lē-ə-
adjective
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