better 1 of 4

adjective

Definition of betternext
as in special

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

better

2 of 4

adverb

as in more
to a greater or higher extent he knows property law better than anyone else

Synonyms & Similar Words

better

3 of 4

noun

1
as in superior
one who is above another in rank, station, or office be polite to your betters and to your inferiors in equal measure

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in advantage
the more favorable condition or position in a competition she got the better of her opponents very early in the race

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

better

4 of 4

verb

1
as in to exceed
to be greater, better, or stronger than this year's profits should better last year's by a wide margin

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to improve
to make better social workers and reformers trying to better the lives of inner-city residents

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word better distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of better are ameliorate, help, and improve. 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 might ameliorate be a better fit than better?

The synonyms ameliorate and better are sometimes interchangeable, but ameliorate implies making more tolerable or acceptable conditions that are hard to endure.

tried to ameliorate the lives of people in the tenements

When can help be used instead of better?

The words help and better can be used in similar contexts, but help implies a bettering that still leaves room for improvement.

a coat of paint would help that house

Example 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 better
Adjective
Implementing better protocol for detection and providing translation services to parents in these areas is essential so they can get diagnosed and referred, said Beckerman. — Nada Hassanein, USA TODAY, 8 Feb. 2023 Yet the company hasn’t linked their use to better weight-loss outcomes, in part because people don’t use them consistently. — Geoffrey A. Fowler, Washington Post, 7 Feb. 2023
Adverb
Renner requested documents showing communications from HCPS to better understand how the book challenges are addressed. — Joshua Q. Nelson, Fox News, 7 Feb. 2023 In related news, Emma Foehringer Merchant wrote a fascinating story for Undark about researchers creating a repository of birds and bats killed at solar and wind farms, to better understand why they’re getting killed and how to prevent it. — Sammy Rothstaff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 7 Feb. 2023
Noun
Porter was in part banned for disclosing information betters used on prop bets and parlays. — Rohan Nadkarni, NBC news, 9 Mar. 2026 Laster allegedly sold this information to two betters for about $100,000. — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 9 Mar. 2026
Verb
In the past, residents came to City Hall to work with commissioners on ways to better our community. — Miami Herald Staff, Miami Herald, 25 Sep. 2026 Online, Peters is an outrageous character who encourages viewers of his popular livestreams on Kick and Twitch to better their physical appearance to attract women and improve their career prospects. — Scottie Andrew, CNN Money, 22 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for better
Recent Examples of Synonyms for better
  1. special
  2. more
  3. superior
  4. advantage
  5. exceed
  6. improve
  7. exceptional
  8. edge
Adjective
  • On Tuesday, Elon Musk, the CEO and largest shareholder of both companies, said the electric vehicle maker and the rocket company had formed special committees at the request of shareholders to discuss the idea.
    — Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 21 Oct. 2026
  • For the collection, the mill applies a special cleaning process to cotton that removes 80 percent of impurities.
    — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of special
Adverb
  • Butner recently installed a new hot water heater and dishwasher, and replaced the flooring in hopes of making the property more attractive.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026
  • The tightness of White’s control over his arrangements can occasionally foreclose the sense of chaotic freedom inherent to his more collaborative efforts.
    — Ryan Meehan, Pitchfork, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of more
Noun
  • West Point implemented a rule in early 2025 that sought to bar civilian and military professors from publishing papers, speaking at conferences or appearing on podcasts without seeking approval from superiors.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 27 Oct. 2026
  • The agents indicated to their superiors that the lawmakers could become subjects in the future, according to records viewed by ProPublica.
    — Molly Redden, ProPublica, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of superior
Noun
  • Though 57% of voters say the Democratic Party does not have a clear vision for the future, Republicans hold no advantage in this category either, according to a CBS News poll released on Sunday.
    — Carter Schroppe, The Washington Examiner, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Joe Burrow gives the Bengals the quarterback advantage, and the extra preparation strengthens their case.
    — Dan Zaksheske OutKick, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of advantage
Verb
  • The blowout news from SpaceX’s Q3 earnings wasn’t the rocket and AI giant’s outstanding performance that far exceeded even the analysts’ elevated expectations, but Elon Musk’s revelation that SpaceX and Tesla are weighing a merger.
    — Shawn Tully, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The fires that burned above the Rio Ruidoso watershed far exceeded that threshold.
    — Abe Streep, ProPublica, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of exceed
Verb
  • The performance of hydrocarbons must be considered as part of a wider system that is simultaneously scaling clean electricity input and improving efficiency across the value chain.
    — H.E. Dr Abdulla Saif Al Jarwan, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2026
  • In comparison, 58% say state and local governments improve their lives, while 56% say the same of businesses and 77% of charitable and advocacy groups.
    — Morgan Chalfant, semafor.com, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of improve
Adjective
  • Singer demonstrates how timeless design and exceptional interior quality can coexist with everyday usability.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Van Cleef & Arpels recently welcomed private clients to an intimate high jewelry presentation at a River Oaks residence, with the opportunity to meet the maison’s artisans and view exceptional creations.
    — Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of exceptional
Noun
  • Sequenced at the center of a three-track medley, its death-dream logic deliberately evokes the SMiLE era’s dark, confusing edge.
    — Ryan Meehan, Pitchfork, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Wear one in beige or white to add a bit of brightness to your look, or black for some edge.
    — Michel Mejía, Glamour, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of edge

Phrases Containing better

Browse Nearby Words

bets (on)
better
bettered
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Better.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/better. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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