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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.

Last November, a federal judge ordered Trump administration officials to improve the “inhumane” conditions at Broadview.

From Salon • Apr. 6, 2026

“The training is meant to prepare them to stay alive, avoid capture when possible, resist exploitation if captured, and improve their chances of recovery,” he said in an email exchange.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026

The weather is expected to improve into Monday, however some southern areas could still see high winds.

From BBC • Apr. 5, 2026

“It has just been the fact that we couldn’t see the threat evolving and what we’re facing. So we definitely have to improve on that.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 5, 2026

“I believe I can improve upon the toxin Epsilon-5 created for you.”

From "The Last Cuentista" by Donna Barba Higuera

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