Definitions

improve

[im-proov] / ɪmˈpruv /

VERB

make or become better

Synonyms

STRONGEST

advance better boost correct develop enhance help increase lift progress promote raise recover reform revamp revise rise upgrade

STRONG

ameliorate amend augment civilize convalesce cultivate edit elevate emend meliorate mend polish purify rally rectify recuperate refine sharpen skyrocket update

WEAK

come around doctor up gain ground look up make strides perk up pick up set right shape up straighten out take off touch up turn the corner

Antonyms

STRONGEST

blow decline decrease demote depress descend deteriorate diminish drop halt hinder hurt lessen lose lower recede reduce repress retreat retrogress stop worsen

STRONG

corrupt damage destroy dirty dull pollute ruin weaken

WEAK

harm injure

Usage

What are other ways to say improve? The verb 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. To better is to improve conditions which, though not bad, are unsatisfying: to better an attempt, oneself (as by gaining a higher salary).

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.

Wiring increases in efficiency, with improved communication between brain regions.

From The Wall Street Journal

What’s more, all are expected to improve their earnings this coming year.

From Barron's

Although they returned an improved performance in the third Test in Adelaide, England were beaten to ensure they cannot win back the Ashes from Australia.

From BBC

Iran is an actor in global cyberwarfare, and the country has been investing in improving its technological capabilities and quality of its personnel with specialized training, Ben Am said.

From The Wall Street Journal

The Autonomy Institute, which was commissioned by the Scottish government to co-ordinate the pilot, found that 98% of staff judged morale and motivation to have improved.

From BBC

improve

Usage

Example Sentences

Related Words