improve

verb

im-ˈprüv How to pronounce improve (audio)
Definition of improvenext
as in to enhance
to make better a little salt would improve this bland food

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 The formula uses encapsulated retinal to help smooth and support collagen over time, paired with kangaroo paw flower extract, a plant ingredient known for helping improve the look of elasticity and firmness. — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 6 Oct. 2026 As in the first study, what improved was how people rated their sleep. — J. David Creswell, The Conversation, 6 Oct. 2026 Consider who inherits, their tax situation, whether trusts are involved, whether Roth conversions make sense and whether charitable planning could improve the result. — Ronald Stair, Forbes.com, 6 Oct. 2026 In August, Paramount added Nick Lee, who spent four years working on AI at Microsoft and 16 years at Google before that, and Suzanne Pellican, whose prior eight years at Google included improving its ads product with AI. — Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 6 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for improve
Recent Examples of Synonyms for improve
  1. enhance
  2. help
Verb
  • That decade saw other international debuts, including Sweden, Hong Kong, Australia, France and Japan — places that would enhance the awareness and international visibility of the brand — all by 1968.
    — Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026
  • There could be uses in agriculture as well, for selectively enhancing edible parts of plants, Theriot said.
    — Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of enhance
Verb
  • The involvement of K-pop stars in some dramas also helps attract a diverse range of audiences.
    — Marta Balaga, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026
  • The state attorney general was accused of accepting bribes and abusing his office to help a political donor whom the FBI was investigating.
    — David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of help

Browse Nearby Words

improvable
improve
improved
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Improve.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/improve. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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