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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.

There is no guarantee, but there are things you can do to improve the odds that they’ll be hitting the links with you.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 11, 2026

These findings could help improve early detection and open the door to earlier treatment.

From Science Daily • Apr. 11, 2026

Ireland, Six Nations winners in 2013 and 2015, are continuing to improve under Scott Bemand and were narrowly defeated by France at the World Cup.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

“If negotiations hold together and inflation comes broadly in line with expectations, risk sentiment is likely to improve, allowing BTC to test the $76k area,” Bitbank analyst Yuya Hasegawa wrote in a research note.

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

They might actually improve the perceived quality of the pool of loans and increase the percentage that could be declared triple-A.

From "The Big Short" by Michael Lewis

Vocabulary lists containing improve

"Hitching a Ride"

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"Brothers in Hope"

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Excerpt from "Do Something!"

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!