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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:

However, analysts pointed out that investors are expecting better and better reports to justify valuations.

From Barron's ● Oct. 20, 2026

Haines was a vocal champion for greater climate action, better rural healthcare, and help for struggling small businesses.

From Barron's ● Oct. 20, 2026

As she signed her new contract, she said she "could not think of a better job in world football".

From BBC ● Oct. 19, 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

“It had nothing to do with anyone in this family. And it’s probably better you don’t know,” I say gently.

From "Split the Sky" by Marie Arnold

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

He was not comfortable with these men—that was it—it was difficult for him to accept them as his elders and betters in the faith.

From "Go Tell It on the Mountain" by James Baldwin

It also bettered the British under-20 record, three months before its former holder Dina Asher-Smith won the world title.

From BBC ● Aug. 17, 2026

That performance, bettered only by leading pair Adrianna Sulek-Schubert of Poland and Ireland's Kate O'Connor, followed a time of 14 seconds flat in the 100m hurdles which ranked 15th overall.

From BBC ● Aug. 14, 2026

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

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 30, 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

I’d sat shotgun because I thought it bettered our chances of surviving a head-on car crash if both of my parents weren’t in the front.

From "They Both Die at the End" by Adam Silvera

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

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

“But an exceptionally clever student could take a book outside, thus bettering himself without fear of lessening his much-loved faculty of sight.”

From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss


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