aid 1 of 2

noun

Definition of aidnext
1
as in aide
a person who helps a more skilled person Jack is his mother's preferred aid in the kitchen, as his sister Janice is clumsy when it comes to chopping and peeling

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2
as in benefit
a thing that helps a dictionary is a handy aid for working crossword puzzles

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in assistance
an act or instance of helping the clerk asked if she needed any aid carrying out her purchases

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

aid

2 of 2

verb

ˈād How to pronounce aid (audio)
as in to assist
to provide (someone) with what is useful or necessary to achieve an end sought to aid her in her search for a dachshund puppy by looking online

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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 aid
Noun
Some stances, including ending economic aid to Israel and taxing billionaires, have high levels of support within the Democratic voter base. — Sacbee.com, 2 Sep. 2026 Helicopters, both military and private aircraft that in better days would be used for commercial tours, take off packed with aid before returning with survivors in need of medical care. — Surendra Phuyal, NBC news, 1 Sep. 2026
Verb
As its name suggests, the MTN — previously known as the Mars Telecommunications Orbiter — will primarily serve to aid NASA science missions rather than gather data of its own. — Mike Wall, Space.com, 2 Sep. 2026 Howard and his Glaser Weil team aided the Village Directors Circle in their quest to bring the shuttered and beloved UCLA-adjacent movie palace back to life in collaboration with American Cinematheque. — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for aid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aid
  1. aide
  2. benefit
  3. assistance
  4. assist
  5. assistant
  6. advantage
  7. help
  8. apprentice
Noun
  • The Jackson campaign had commandeered the green room Bottoms and her aides were supposed to use for the event.
    — Adam Beam, AJC.com, 28 Aug. 2026
  • While aides for the Sussexes insist that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have no plans to become working royals in the future, Harry is said to be hoping to reconcile with his family and spend more time with his father.
    — Katie Nicholl, Vanity Fair, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of aide
Noun
  • The material benefit of the Emmys — of all awards shows, really — is almost entirely intangible.
    — Joe Reid, Vulture, 29 Aug. 2026
  • The opportunity to learn from professionals in the field about working on engines and also learning from Miami-Dade College professors has been a huge benefit, said Rangel, the auto tech.
    — Michael Butler, Miami Herald, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of benefit
Noun
  • Among the things the neighborhood would stand to benefit from, De La Torre said, are financial and legal support for street vendors who keep the commerce district alive, drug treatment programs, and housing assistance.
    — Marissa J. Lang, NPR, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The assistance, which helps pay for basic needs such as housing and food, would nearly double under a new policy.
    — Ted Hesson, Washington Post, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of assistance
Verb
  • Chan took credit for some of the success of Cluely, a controversial AI startup whose app assists users in situations like job interviews in real time.
    — Max Tani, semafor.com, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Thank you to the first responders who are assisting at the scene.
    — Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of assist
Noun
  • This one was especially meaningful for 2010 Morton graduate Jimmy McCormack, an experienced assistant, including the previous two seasons as the Trojans’ offensive coordinator.
    — Michael Osipoff, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026
  • O’Leary has helped himself by adding lots of experienced assistant coaches and former head coaches.
    — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of assistant
Noun
  • The Democrats are in their own civil war, which are giving Republicans an opportunity that historically gives them advantage in this election a problem.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Christian Cage took advantage with a low blow on Matt from behind.
    — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of advantage
Noun
  • For example, expressing appreciation for past help or thanking the doctor for their time was more helpful than emphasizing sadness or frustration.
    — Paul Hsieh, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Some operators said they were forced to take out personal loans, ask family for financial help, and empty out their savings accounts.
    — Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of help
Noun
  • Rolle emphasized that apprentices in MDC’s programs don’t have to pay for the costs of classes or equipment thanks to state and federal grants.
    — Michael Butler, Miami Herald, 29 Aug. 2026
  • So far, the apprentice program is a small but growing portion of that number.
    — Mark Dee, Idaho Statesman, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of apprentice

Browse Nearby Words

ahead of
aid
aide
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Cite this Entry

“Aid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aid. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on aid

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about aid

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