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.

He wants to increase the number of bike lanes, parks and green walking paths, as well as improve public housing in a capital of 2 million people where rent is often prohibitive.

From Barron's

First, foremost and fundamentally, England were vastly improved.

From BBC

Wales may have lost their opening four games, but they improved as the championship went on, producing an impressive bonus-point win over Italy to end the tournament.

From BBC

Following Mugabe's downfall, it represented the country's foreign affairs and international trade ministry for several years to improve US relations.

From BBC

With a bit more work, he feels he could improve.

From BBC

improve

Usage

Example Sentences

Related Words