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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.

Research has indicated automatic start-stop systems improve fuel economy anywhere from 5% to about 26%, depending on factors such as the length and location of the trip.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

Will Tovey, 28, from Suffolk, said he joined the group to meet people his age and improve his mental health.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

He said there will always be something to improve and something to build toward.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2026

Researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign are studying how microwave frying can improve the way French fries are made.

From Science Daily • Apr. 2, 2026

The foundation had an endowment of roughly $22 billion, which generated about $1.1 billion in annual income to spend on various projects, about half of it to improve global health.

From "Mountains Beyond Mountains" by Tracy Kidder and Michael French

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.