better 1 of 4

adjective

Definition of betternext
as in special

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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

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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

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

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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 On Tuesday Biden touted increases in Border Patrol staffing and also increased fentanyl seizures at the border, which officials have said shows that apprehension is getting better. — Adam Shaw, Fox News, 8 Feb. 2023
Adverb
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 Last year, the office held listening sessions in Grove Hall, Roxbury, Mattapan, and Jamaica Plain to better understand the needs of women and gender-expansive individuals. — Tiana Woodard, BostonGlobe.com, 7 Feb. 2023
Noun
The two companies are teaming up to enhance the viewing experience for NBA betters. — Jeff Marks, CNBC, 30 Sep. 2025 According to the indictment, Gino's and Paragon were used to facilitate the collection and distribution of money made from gambling from agents, bookies and betters involved with Gerodemos. — Sara Tenenbaum, CBS News, 30 Apr. 2026
Verb
Arbitrarily limiting that possibility has nothing to do with bettering the game and everything to do with limiting what ownership spends. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 18 June 2026 The goal made Kane England’s most prolific international goal scorer of all time, bettering Wayne Rooney’s previous record of 53 goals. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 17 June 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
  • The Kelce brothers have a special royal guest joining their podcast before the Swift wedding extravaganza.
    — Bryan West, USA Today, 4 July 2026
  • Back in December 2023, Travis opened up about receiving a special gift from his new brother-in-law, who was dressed as Santa.
    — Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 4 July 2026
Definition of special
Adverb
  • While Americans prepare to celebrate the nation's 250th anniversary, historians say one of the most overlooked chapters of the Revolutionary War is Florida's role, or more accurately, its decision not to join the fight for independence.
    — Hank Tester, CBS News, 1 July 2026
  • One year later, California’s budget is in a more stable position compared to 2025, largely due to an unexpected surge in tax revenue from the technology sector.
    — William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2026
Definition of more
Noun
  • For example, women athletes are routinely portrayed as emotional, powerless, and reliant on their coaches or superiors, resulting in their infantilization, all while their men athlete counterparts are framed as rational and confident.
    — Lindsey Darvin, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • The investigation, according to the archives, cited several factors as contributing to the tragedy, including Holland’s disregard of procedures, the failure of superiors to take previous action and the inadequate preparation of crew members aboard the doomed plane.
    — Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 16 June 2026
Definition of superior
Noun
  • The Red Sox tacked on two insurance runs in the seventh on Abreu’s sacrifice fly and Masataka Yoshida’s RBI single for a 7-3 advantage.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • Good luck with that message in flyover country when the revolutionaries don’t enjoy the advantages of light-turnout primaries.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
Definition of advantage
Verb
  • And by the 12th year, this number rises to $113,000, exceeding the median salary for graduate degree-holders in the state, according to the data released by the UC’s Institutional Research and Academic Planning department.
    — Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 2 July 2026
  • Revenue from golf and resort properties exceeded $500 million in 2025, rising about 15% from the previous year, according to the filing.
    — Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 1 July 2026
Definition of exceed
Verb
  • Kyle Schwarber is threatening home run records, even as pitching continues to improve.
    — Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026
  • Jupiter enters your 6th House of Work and Health, encouraging kinder routines that improve well-being and lighten daily tasks.
    — Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2026
Definition of improve
Adjective
  • Just down the road, Beefbar at Hotel Lou Pinet offers a relaxed ambiance and exceptional dishes.
    — Karli Poliziani, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 July 2026
  • Read More TopicsTaylor Swift Vogue Weddings An all-access invitation to the exceptional and inspirational, plus planning tips and advice.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 4 July 2026
Definition of exceptional
Noun
  • The Detroit pizza features the style’s signature crown of crispy cheese around the edges, and a blanket of brick cheese.
    — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • Both the scalloped edges and adorable blue gingham print made this a top pick for me.
    — Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 July 2026
Definition of edge

Phrases Containing better

Browse Nearby Words

bets (on)
better
bettered
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Cite this Entry

“Better.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/better. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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