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

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

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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

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
Laster allegedly sold this information to two betters for about $100,000. — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 9 Mar. 2026 The fact that there was a 54 million dollar bounty out on this guy collectively from betters, including one user called MAGAMyMan, who had won $553,000 on the timing of all this. — Brian Barrett, Wired News, 5 Mar. 2026
Verb
Asking for feedback is only one step of the process in bettering your organization. — Kate Wieczorek, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026 Gogel rose 12 places with his 7-under 63, bettered only by Scotland's Stephen Gallacher in fifth with an 8-under 62, which included nine birdies. — ABC News, 26 July 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
  • At a special fair contest, Iowa pie bakers gave the Pie Lady Louise Piper a fitting farewell.
    — Courtney Crowder, Des Moines Register, 28 Aug. 2026
  • If your stay involves a special occasion, the Teppanyaki show-cooking experience makes for an unforgettable celebration.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of special
Adverb
  • Wearing something slightly more playful also helped keep the whole day from feeling too serious or dramatic.
    — Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Bonnell also uses a belt drive as standard equipment for quieter, lower-maintenance operation, with an optional 520 chain conversion available for riders who prefer a more traditional setup.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of more
Noun
  • About Premium Content has Country Spy, a light crime series about Marie-Line Maupain, a spy for the French secret service who is abruptly frozen out by her superiors and sent back to her home town.
    — Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 3 Sep. 2026
  • If both parties are PLA members, superiors must step in to mediate the relationship breakdown, and the couple can only get a civil divorce with the military’s approval, which can result in a longer process.
    — Sylvie Zhuang, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of superior
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
Verb
  • India's quarterly economic growth has exceeded expectations several times over the past year, defying a bleak global trade environment, high energy prices and geopolitical uncertainties.
    — Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Crews are assessing damage, but repairs may be delayed in areas with winds exceeding 35 mph.
    — Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of exceed
Verb
  • Chelsea, despite missing out on a late move for Lamine Camara, and Tottenham have improved considerably, but that is more a reflection of previous dysfunction — and a lighter schedule — than inspired recruitment.
    — Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Kia's base model can feel a bit barebones, but upper trims feature plenty of creature comforts and tech enhancements that improve its driving and ownership experience.
    — Keith Laing, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of improve
Adjective
  • Sharif said Noreen displayed exceptional courage and devotion to duty by risking her life to save the newborn moments before the nursery burned down.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Founders who recently had one exceptional year sometimes assume that year represents their new baseline, when a buyer will more likely average the last three years, or discount the outlier entirely.
    — Lien De Pau, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of exceptional
Noun
  • The negative is that rookie edge Keyron Crawford is out for the year with an ankle injury.
    — Sam Warren, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • China continues to rely on Dutch manufacturer ASML for nearly all of its cutting-edge deep ultraviolet (DUV) lithography machines, while some DUV systems encounter US export restrictions.
    — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 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 4 Sep. 2026.

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