best 1 of 3

adjective

Definition of bestnext
as in Sunday

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

best

2 of 3

noun

1
as in attire
dressy clothing the family wore their best to the wedding

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in elite
individuals carefully selected as being the best of a class only the best will go on to the finals

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

best

3 of 3

verb

as in to worst
to achieve a victory over at last she's bested her card-playing mother at the game of hearts

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 best
Adjective
The duo won Oscars for best picture, director and original screenplay. — Katie Simons, Los Angeles Times, 26 Mar. 2026 While it isn't favored to win best picture, it's been gaining momentum and could well pull off an upset. — Daniel Arkin, NBC news, 15 Mar. 2026
Noun
Atwell, the 26-year-old five-year veteran, has modest career bests of 67 receptions (2023), 562 yards (2024), and three touchdowns (2023). — Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 10 July 2026 Mahrez is retiring from international soccer as a five-time Premier League winner and one of Africa's bests. — Juliana Kim, NPR, 6 July 2026
Verb
The potentially final chapter of LIV's story being closed out with La Sasso besting the two biggest LIV stars was certainly a scene. — Mark Harris Outkick, FOXNews.com, 24 Aug. 2026 The British-Argentine actor’s point has less to do with her conflicted con artist cheating death numerous times and besting her mobster in-laws, as well as the FBI. — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for best
Recent Examples of Synonyms for best
  1. stylish
  2. attire
  3. elite
  4. defeat
  5. elegant
  6. costume
  7. top
  8. overcome
Adjective
  • This poplin maxi skirt is stylish, and its A-line cut can create a flattering silhouette on all body types.
    — Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 30 Aug. 2026
  • In the morning, stylish couples from Tokyo were arriving for a ski weekend in late May.
    — Everett Potter, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of stylish
Noun
  • All the guests at Bozoma Saint-John Watson's wedding to Keely Watson were asked to wear authentic Kente cloth attire.
    — Rebecca Suhrawardi, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • The image of him, his attire a blasphemous betrayal of the wholesome fun a clown costume promises, and with vibrant, colorful balloons in his hand, lingers in our minds for a long time.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of attire
Noun
  • Most worked to serve the city's elites as guards, cleaners, tailors and butchers.
    — Diaa Hadid, NPR, 1 Sep. 2026
  • That’s a lot of turnover from a unit that has been among the elite in college football the past couple seasons.
    — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of elite
Verb
  • Taylor pitched a career-high 2 2/3 scoreless relief innings and was credited with the win as the Sox defeated the Twins 7-4 in front of 28,140.
    — LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026
  • The Senate Leadership Fund, a political committee controlled by Senate Majority Leader John Thune, has committed to spending $44 million in Georgia in hopes of defeating Ossoff.
    — Tia Mitchell, AJC.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of defeat
Adjective
  • Shop more outlet deals below, including an elegant candleholder, a luxe ottoman, and slim patio sofa.
    — Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The Queen size bed feels huge, there's plenty of light, sumptuous extra seating and an overall elegant Georgian style feel.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of elegant
Noun
  • The documentary provides intimate access to Jarman and his collaborators, including Tilda Swinton and costume designer Sandy Powell, who are both executive producers on the new film.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The Cubs’ bullpen could be a scary Halloween costume next month.
    — Jon Greenberg, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of costume
Noun
  • While dark-wash jeans, trench coats, and sweaters may be top of mind, don’t forget your footwear.
    — Jacqueline Tempera, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Here’s a snapshot of those findings (not in chronological order, because AI’s top of mind these days; plus, my colleague made a cool interactive graphic for you).
    — Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of top
Verb
  • The Tar Heels’ ability to overcome some sloppiness — and, yes, take advantage of a slew of TCU mistakes — was a positive intangible sign after Belichick’s brutal debut season and offseason.
    — Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 30 Aug. 2026
  • But to overcome 30 years of Republican dominance, Talarico needs votes from everywhere.
    — Eleanor Dearman Updated August 29, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of overcome

Phrases Containing best

Browse Nearby Words

bespoken
best
best bib and tucker
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Best.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/best. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 4
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
anagrams on a chalk board
Word Builder Quiz Vol. 2 Pick the letter that when added to a word will ma...
See All