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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.

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

From Salon • Apr. 6, 2026

“It has just been the fact that we couldn’t see the threat evolving and what we’re facing. So we definitely have to improve on that.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 5, 2026

If astrocytes help control whether fear memories are expressed or fade away, future treatments might target these cells alongside neurons to improve outcomes.

From Science Daily • Apr. 4, 2026

The Crime and Policing Bill, now in its final stages in parliament, has been framed to improve authorities' crackdowns on knife crime, anti-social behaviour, violence against women and girls, shoplifting and child abuse.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

“That doesn’t make any sense. Shouldn’t they want to give us a better chance to improve test scores?”

From "Anger Is a Gift" by Mark Oshiro

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