improve

Synonym Chooser

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

Examples 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 Cooper Flagg scored 24 points, grabbed seven rebounds and dished out six assists playing 39 of 40 minutes in the Duke Blue Devils’ 63-56 victory over the Wake Forest Demon Deacons on Saturday. Duke, the No. 2 team in the nation, improved to 17-2 and 9-0 against ACC opponents. Ryan Gaydos, Fox News, 26 Jan. 2025 Vitamin D supplements may improve joint pain in people with vitamin D deficiency. Lindsay Curtis, Health, 26 Jan. 2025 Scouts said Vientos improved defensively but still has plenty of room to grow. Will Sammon, The Athletic, 25 Jan. 2025 The opportunity to improve value at Qorvo is simple, operationally focused and something Starboard has done many times at many semiconductor companies: margin improvement. Kenneth Squire, CNBC, 25 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for improve 

Thesaurus Entries Near improve

Cite this Entry

“Improve.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/improve. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on improve

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!