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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.

The Safety In and Around Schools Partnership will train school leaders on the risk of knife crime and develop "local solutions to improve pupil safety and prevent serious violence".

From BBC • Apr. 6, 2026

"It would be a novel target that may complement existing therapies like Ozempic, for example, and improve the lives of many who suffer from obesity and other appetite-related conditions."

From Science Daily • Apr. 6, 2026

My husband and I recently hired a high-school student who uses AI tools alongside his own coding skills to improve our business operations.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

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

From Salon • Apr. 6, 2026

“I do. I used to. But I’ve been away at boarding school, and then university, and then here…Why bishop takes knight? I can just capture back, improve my pawn structure.”

From "The Bletchley Riddle" by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin

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