better 1 of 4

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

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noun

better

4 of 4

verb

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
The White House, ahead of the speech, paired police reform with bringing down violence, suggesting that giving police better training tools could lead to less crime nationwide. Zeke Miller and, BostonGlobe.com, 7 Feb. 2023 Buschatzke and others argue that a better and more equitable approach would be to start accounting for evaporation and other water losses from the reservoirs and along the river in the Lower Basin. Los Angeles Times, 7 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
In the dance of love there are no betters — there is only the pursuit of radical equality. Jimi Calhoun, Austin American-Statesman, 16 Apr. 2024 Conversely, credit card delinquencies declined for sports betters, a trend that showed up a couple years after legalization and surprised Hollenbeck. Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 26 July 2024
Verb
With this acquisition, Richer Poorer will now be folded into Andie’s high-performing e-commerce operations, enabling the brand to better leverage data to drive customer acquisition, optimize inventory and accelerate growth. Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 13 May 2025 This decision comes on the heels of her finally adjusting to her job, clicking with her team and loving how her work betters the planet. Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 9 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for better
Recent Examples of Synonyms for better
Adjective
  • Monday is when scheduled events at the cemetery include a concert by the United States Marine Band and the U.S. Navy Band Sea Chanters, a wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and a parade of colors by Veterans’ organizations and remarks from special guests.
    John Bacon, USA Today, 22 May 2025
  • So when most kids were enrolling in third grade, Alisa was enrolled in community college, as a special student, in spring 2023.
    Wendy Grossman Kantor, People.com, 22 May 2025
Adverb
  • And yet that scene, as well as the long mourning period Mahnaz goes through afterwards, is followed by several more melodramatic twists in a scenario that requires a certain level of disbelief.
    Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 23 May 2025
  • Bob is only interested in synergy and either does not know or (more likely) does not care about Ethan’s horrific misconduct.
    Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 23 May 2025
Noun
  • The chilling exchange was part of a series of radio transmissions between Russian forces that Ukrainian officials say provide further evidence that Russian superiors are ordering soldiers to execute surrendering Ukrainian troops in violation of international law.
    Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 21 May 2025
  • Wandel wants her audience to weigh the philosophical aspects of the situation, revealing the behind-the-scenes power struggles and split-second decisions that complicate Lucy and her superiors’ ability to spare Adam.
    Peter Debruge, Variety, 14 May 2025
Noun
  • Pone hit a sacrifice fly to put Ole Miss up 5-4, Mackenzie Pickens hit and RBI single in the fifth for a two-run advantage and Brady sent a solo home run to left-center field in the seventh to set the final score.
    Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 26 May 2025
  • In this context, the real advantage lies not simply in exporting more whisky but in embedding British spirits—Scotch and otherwise—within a broader consumer and distribution ecosystem.
    Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025
Verb
  • Traditional taxis cost less than half that, but the journey can exceed 90 minutes in traffic.
    Amira El-Fekki‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 May 2025
  • As of Wednesday, the campaign exceeded its goal, raising $50.1 million — marking the largest fundraising effort in the CSO’s 93-year history.
    Catherine Muccigrosso, Charlotte Observer, 28 May 2025
Verb
  • Trump 100 days: Former president's success created measuring stick for future leaders From Trump to Reagan: Their first 100 days Trump promised to improve the economy on Day 1.
    Zac Anderson, USA Today, 26 May 2025
  • However, the latest reports suggest that situation is improving, albeit with lowball offers.
    Jim Gorzelany, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
Adjective
  • The companies that invest in neurodiversity today are unlocking game-changing innovation, future-proofing their organizations and setting a new standard for what an exceptional workplace looks like.
    Ben Semmes, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
  • To win the event, Scheffler compensated with his exceptional iron play (1.189 strokes gained approaching the green) and his skills around the green (1.208 strokes gained).
    Julio Cesar Valdera Morales, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 May 2025
Noun
  • In the second round of the playoffs, against the defending champion, the Boston Celtics, the script was flipped: the Knicks got down by huge margins in the first two games but came storming back for the victory in both, creating a 2–0 edge.
    Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 22 May 2025
  • Special teams ace/edge rusher DeAngelo Malone also would be a difficult cut.
    Josh Kendall, New York Times, 22 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Better.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/better. Accessed 2 Jun. 2025.

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