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Definitions

better

[bet-er] / ˈbɛt ər /


ADJECTIVE
larger
Synonyms
Antonyms
WEAK






Usage

What are other ways to say improve? To better is to improve conditions which, though not bad, are unsatisfying: to better an attempt, oneself (as by gaining a higher salary). Improve usually implies remedying a lack or a felt need: to improve a process, oneself (as by gaining more knowledge). The more formal verb ameliorate implies improving oppressive, unjust, or difficult conditions: to ameliorate working conditions.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Longer studies would need to demonstrate that its benefits persist and translate into better joint health and fewer surgical procedures.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 11, 2026

"That means the watershed, the grid and the communities around our facilities must be better off for our being here."

From Barron's ● Oct. 11, 2026

“I do feel like my swing is in a better place, feels smooth, and just a little tweak here and there, and I’ll be ready.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 11, 2026

Insurers guarantee that their investment return will never fall below zero, with the potential for better returns than a CD or savings account.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 11, 2026

I don’t need to hear her say what she’s thinking, because the me that knows better is saying the same thing.

From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam

Now, 12 years and many political lifetimes later, they read as quaint and out-of-touch, like a grandfather telling his grandson to never contradict his betters.

From Salon ● Aug. 20, 2026

His betters resented Duchamp’s attempt at depicting movement and judged the title vulgar.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 12, 2026

This week: Polymarket teamed up with the Golden Globes, displaying a live ticker for betters on the broadcast.

From Slate ● Jan. 17, 2026

Billions are riding on such sports event contracts, and it isn’t just the wagers of individual betters.

From Barron's ● Nov. 6, 2025

“Mind you, I’m not one to gossip. You remember that, Ophelia. The lives of your betters are not fodder for your amusement.”

From "Ophie's Ghosts" by Justina Ireland

Overall, England's record of nine home Ashes wins in Leeds is bettered only by their 17 at The Oval, and The Oval has hosted 36 Ashes Tests compared to Headingley's 26.

From BBC ● Aug. 21, 2026

That performance, bettered only by leading pair Adrianna Sulek-Schubert of Poland and Ireland's Kate O'Connor, followed a time of 14 seconds flat in the 100m hurdles which ranked 15th overall.

From BBC ● Aug. 14, 2026

His Premier League win percentage of 46.9% at the club is bettered only by Kevin Keegan.

From BBC ● Jul. 30, 2026

He averaged 111.53 in the final, setting a new record as he bettered Taylor's 111.23 against Adrian Lewis in 2013.

From BBC ● Jul. 26, 2026

I’d sat shotgun because I thought it bettered our chances of surviving a head-on car crash if both of my parents weren’t in the front.

From "They Both Die at the End" by Adam Silvera

I humbly decline your request and actually would love to have a space where everyone is allowed to ask questions pertaining to bettering their understanding of their clients.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 5, 2026

She said Chinese biotechs have “gotten very good with pretty-well-known targets—in bettering them, in really getting more precise.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 10, 2026

Trump also did not appear to be leaning in that direction early last week when he posted on his social media site that he was intent on bettering the arts complex.

From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 1, 2026

United have shut out their opponents on five occasions this term, with only Liverpool bettering them with six.

From BBC ● Nov. 12, 2024

“But an exceptionally clever student could take a book outside, thus bettering himself without fear of lessening his much-loved faculty of sight.”

From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss




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