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 next

as in to enhance

to make better a little salt would improve this bland food

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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

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 The tragedy put a face on the problem, prompting citizens to take independent steps to improve pedestrian safety in some neighborhoods while waiting for public officials to take a more holistic response. —

Daryl Perry, The Indianapolis Star, 21 Nov. 2024 Studies have shown that vitamin D supplements can help to improve bone health, brain health and immune function, among other benefits. DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone), a hormone produced in the adrenal gland, is another of his top picks. —

Melissa Rudy, Fox News, 20 Nov. 2024 The 23-page letter, addressed to Blinken and Austin and signed by Dermer and Israel's minister of defense Israel Katz, includes a long list of steps the Israelis have taken over the last month — or plan to take in the coming weeks — to improve the humanitarian situation. —

Barak Ravid, Axios, 20 Nov. 2024 Perhaps that’s partly why Americans rank improving their relationships among their top New Year’s resolutions. —

Mikala Jamison, The Atlantic, 20 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for improve