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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.

Hoping to improve Chief Wallabee’s focus, Mott will have the colt race in blinkers for the first time in the Derby.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 29, 2026

Hammett adds insights from the work could help improve current policing methods that might reduce the chances of similar cases going unsolved in the future.

From BBC • Apr. 29, 2026

As credit costs moderate, loan growth revives and the bank executes on its liability and cost strategy, ROAs and ROEs should improve.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 28, 2026

"A larger survey footprint will greatly improve our constraints on cosmological parameters and improve our dark matter program," said Honscheid.

From Science Daily • Apr. 28, 2026

“I realize my fishing skills are not up to professional standards, but surely I will improve with practice,” she said.

From "The Long-Lost Home" by Maryrose Wood

Vocabulary lists containing improve

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Excerpt from "Do Something!"

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