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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:

The buyback news came alongside an upgrade to BBVA’s annual profitability guidance and higher-than-expected results for the second quarter due to better core revenue and provisions, the analysts say.

From The Wall Street Journal Jul. 30, 2026

Thursday's data demonstrated the European economy was weathering the impact of the US-Iran war that began earlier this year better than feared.

From Barron's Jul. 30, 2026

In other words, you would have performed better by ignoring the 50-day moving average.

From MarketWatch Jul. 30, 2026

Nacua said Wednesday that he’s trying to be better, to do better.

From Los Angeles Times Jul. 30, 2026

There were the usual soda choices, including Pepsi, but even better, there was yaupon holly tea.

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith

That’s a sign that betters don’t see the feud with the U.S. as slowing an IPO.

From Barron's Jun. 13, 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

Like my literary betters, I sometimes worry that reading distracts me from writing.

From Los Angeles Times Jan. 16, 2026

"Rowan held it up to me. I saw it myself. Am I, too, playing a trick on my betters, Bronden?"

From "Rowan of Rin" by Emily Rodda

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

"I think there was an attempt to be smarter and involve the actual game, I think that was a tipping point, neither of those songs have been bettered since," he added.

From BBC Jun. 14, 2026

Yeboah bettered that in the 67th minute, taking advantage of another defensive breakdown to poke a pass from Tomás Chancalay at the left post by Marcinkowski.

From Los Angeles Times Apr. 5, 2026

She was supposed to want to meet men, to keep her eyes open; she was supposed to see The General as an option that could be bettered.

From "Americanah" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

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

Well, then you know how truly committed they were to bettering L.A. in the first place.

From Los Angeles Times Aug. 7, 2025

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

The other day, when the Pickled Onion was pestering me about my grammar and vocabulary and bettering myself, she asked me what I aspired to in this life.

From "The Detective's Assistant" by Kate Hannigan




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