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Definitions

better

[bet-er] / ˈbɛt ər /


ADJECTIVE
larger
Synonyms
Antonyms
WEAK






Usage

What are other ways to say improve? To better is to improve conditions which, though not bad, are unsatisfying: to better an attempt, oneself (as by gaining a higher salary). 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.

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.

See Examples For:

"We're actively encouraging AI training, AI learning, AI applications in our business to make us better."

From BBC ● Oct. 20, 2026

As these large generational cohorts reached voting age and began working, they reshaped their societies in their own image—not always, it must be said, for the better.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 19, 2026

“Now the real issue is ensuring that this doesn’t happen again. … We obviously need to be better at anticipating the kind of mobilization that is unfolding.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 19, 2026

The unrest came after weeks of student demonstrations demanding better conditions in schools.

From Barron's ● Oct. 19, 2026

I don’t need to hear her say what she’s thinking, because the me that knows better is saying the same thing.

From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam

Now, 12 years and many political lifetimes later, they read as quaint and out-of-touch, like a grandfather telling his grandson to never contradict his betters.

From Salon ● Aug. 20, 2026

His betters resented Duchamp’s attempt at depicting movement and judged the title vulgar.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 12, 2026

This week: Polymarket teamed up with the Golden Globes, displaying a live ticker for betters on the broadcast.

From Slate ● Jan. 17, 2026

Billions are riding on such sports event contracts, and it isn’t just the wagers of individual betters.

From Barron's ● Nov. 6, 2025

I replied that Pro Bono was my elder, and I felt it unseemly to speak when my betters were conversing.

From "The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume II: The Kingdom on the Waves" by M.T. Anderson

Brighton managed 10 clean sheets last season, bettered by only six teams.

From BBC ● Aug. 14, 2026

The 19-year-old bettered the world record set by Australia's Kaylee McKeown three years ago by 0.23secs in her semi-final.

From BBC ● Aug. 12, 2026

Among NL pitchers with at least 70 innings, his ERA is bettered only by Misiorowski.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 30, 2026

Against Morocco, he was only bettered by an extra 369 metres from Lewis Ferguson.

From BBC ● Jun. 20, 2026

These improvements bettered the quality of everything ranging from radios, to television sets, to small electronic calculators, yet the agency hadn’t done a good job of explaining these benefits to the public.

From "Reaching for the Moon" by Katherine Johnson

I humbly decline your request and actually would love to have a space where everyone is allowed to ask questions pertaining to bettering their understanding of their clients.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 5, 2026

She said Chinese biotechs have “gotten very good with pretty-well-known targets—in bettering them, in really getting more precise.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 10, 2026

They have 67 goals in 35 Premier League matches - with only Manchester City bettering their record in the English top flight with 69 in 34 games.

From BBC ● May 6, 2026

Stewart says California has set "a powerful example" by bettering the quality and sustainability of its school lunch, "showing what's possible nationwide."

From Salon ● Oct. 16, 2024

It is her only hope of bettering her lot and seeing her children again.

From "Enrique's Journey" by Sonia Nazario


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