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

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 Then, Venus will re-enter Aries on April 30, slipping back into your sixth house due diligence, prompting you to focus on self-care and improving your well-being. Valerie Mesa, People.com, 19 Apr. 2025 Living Better From blah to buoyant, these skills can improve your mood and optimism Why aim towards the ear? Andrea Muraskin, NPR, 19 Apr. 2025 But some local officials and residents wonder if dedicated resources and leadership could have improved the emergency response, especially surrounding evacuation alerts. Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 19 Apr. 2025 This extends to all relationships in life, as people innately seek places that recognize their value while consistently inspiring them to improve. Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 15 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for improve

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Cite this Entry

“Improve.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/improve. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

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