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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:

The more recurring bills that are automated, the better.

From MarketWatch ● Nov. 14, 2026

A longer life isn’t necessarily a better life.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 14, 2026

The team also investigated whether more advanced extraction methods could deliver better results.

From Science Daily ● Nov. 14, 2026

“That’s part of it. Then I think, frankly, there are opportunities for us to play better a little bit as well.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 14, 2026

“You shouldn’t feel that way, Lexie. You’re overreacting again. We’d get along a lot better if you’d just learn to chill out.”

From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam

Now, 12 years and many political lifetimes later, they read as quaint and out-of-touch, like a grandfather telling his grandson to never contradict his betters.

From Salon ● Aug. 20, 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

Billions are riding on such sports event contracts, and it isn’t just the wagers of individual betters.

From Barron's ● Nov. 6, 2025

I replied that Pro Bono was my elder, and I felt it unseemly to speak when my betters were conversing.

From "The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume II: The Kingdom on the Waves" by M.T. Anderson

He took 50 wickets in the County Championship in 2026, a tally bettered by only six other bowlers in Division Two.

From BBC ● Oct. 21, 2026

But he was almost as prolific at creating them, making 12 assists as a substitute - a tally only bettered by three players in Premier League history.

From BBC ● Oct. 16, 2026

The 19-year-old bettered the world record set by Australia's Kaylee McKeown three years ago by 0.23secs in her semi-final.

From BBC ● Aug. 12, 2026

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

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 30, 2026

She was supposed to want to meet men, to keep her eyes open; she was supposed to see The General as an option that could be bettered.

From "Americanah" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

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

Abdul Hammed currently works at a warehouse, but the 33-year-old has come to the apprenticeship fair in the hope of bettering himself.

From BBC ● Feb. 16, 2026

United have shut out their opponents on five occasions this term, with only Liverpool bettering them with six.

From BBC ● Nov. 12, 2024

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

The other day, when the Pickled Onion was pestering me about my grammar and vocabulary and bettering myself, she asked me what I aspired to in this life.

From "The Detective's Assistant" by Kate Hannigan


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