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.

Elon Musk’s recently announced Terafab project aims to make advanced chips, too, with Intel’s help, but that possibility is far off at best.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 11, 2026

So, a petition calling for a review of one its highest uptake subjects is at best difficult timing for the new body.

From BBC • May 11, 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

But even here, the stillness is partial at best.

From Los Angeles Times • May 8, 2026

It was dim enough at best, and he had to feel anxiously into the shadows to be sure he had not missed some morsel of clay.

From "The Golden Goblet" by Eloise Jarvis McGraw

at best

Example Sentences

Related Words