Definitions

at best

ADVERB

partly

Synonyms

STRONGEST

at least partially slightly somewhat

WEAK

at most at worst bit by bit by degrees carelessly halfway in a general way in bits and pieces in part in some measure in some ways inadequately incompletely insufficiently little by little measurably not entirely not fully not strictly speaking not wholly notably noticeably piece by piece piecemeal relatively so far as possible to a certain degree to a certain extent up to a certain point within limits

Antonyms

WEAK

completely totally wholly

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.

But she said recent trimming has been indelicate at best.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 12, 2026

And although the phrase was thrown at Ariana Grande before a screening of “Wicked,” her work as Glinda was big sister at best.

From Salon • May 10, 2026

Thermal energy stored as heat might only last a few hours, days or months at best.

From BBC • May 7, 2026

There is a long tradition of wealthy, self-funding candidates, and the results are mixed at best.

From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2026

If you’re going to intercept somebody in the lavatory, you get, at best, about two chances a day: one in the morning and one in the afternoon.

From "Ida B" by Katherine Hannigan

at best

Example Sentences

Related Words