IMPROVE Synonyms: 57 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'improve' distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of improve are ameliorate , better , and help . 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

Q: When is it sensible to use 'ameliorate' instead of 'improve'?

Although the words ameliorate and improve have much in common, ameliorate implies making more tolerable or acceptable conditions that are hard to endure. // tried to ameliorate the lives of people in the tenements

Q: When would 'help' be a good substitute for 'improve'?

While the synonyms help and improve are close in meaning, help implies a bettering that still leaves room for improvement. // a coat of paint would help that house

improve

verb

im-ˈprüv

Definition of improve

as in to enhance

to make better a little salt would improve this bland food

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How is the word improve distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of improve are ameliorate, better, and help. 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 is it sensible to use ameliorate instead of improve?

Although the words ameliorate and improve have much in common, ameliorate implies making more tolerable or acceptable conditions that are hard to endure.

tried to ameliorate the lives of people in the tenements

When would help be a good substitute for improve?

While the synonyms help and improve are close in meaning, 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 improve City outlines planned safety improvements In a statement following the latest crash, the City of Modesto pointed to ongoing efforts to improve road safety. — Kayla Moeller, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026 Its partnership with Novo Nordisk aims to improve R&D and commercial execution while maintaining strong governance. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 20 Oct. 2026 The platform has exploded in recent years on a promise to improve patients’ access to in-network therapists. — Amanda Erickson, STAT, 20 Oct. 2026 Martins also said Mateucci had a lasting impact on the community through his efforts to improve the lives of those around him, per FOX 10. — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 20 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for improve

Recent Examples of Synonyms for improve

Verb

Pierce and Kember were born in the same place on the same day, a lore-enhancing coincidence too stupid to make up.

— Gabriel Szatan, Pitchfork, 18 Oct. 2026
Here will be the makings of an 85-acre live-work-play sector of the city that theoretically will seamlessly nestle into a neighborhood and enhance everything from The Crossroads Arts District to Union Station and the National WWI Museum & Memorial.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of enhance

Verb

And their extreme, alien physics may help scientists elucidate how the first generation of stars and the first galaxies came to be.

— Robin George Andrews, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
In humanoid robotics, this approach can help develop coordinated movements that account for the robot’s body dynamics and interactions with external objects.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of help

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improvable

improve

improved

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“Improve.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/improve. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of improve

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