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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.

Active managers may be able to improve future returns by changing their portfolios’ exposure over time.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 22, 2026

The analysts expect the Chinese video platform’s cash flow to improve, partly thanks to a rich content pipeline.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 22, 2026

A Home Office spokesperson said: "We're introducing extensive safeguards for children and young people for strip searching and bringing in reforms to drive up standards in policing, improve vetting and tackle misconduct."

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026

This discovery highlights the need to improve those models.

From Science Daily • Apr. 22, 2026

“Our landlords refuse to maintain the properties, and the city won’t provide us with adequate services or utilities, yet we each are doing—and must do— what we can to improve and advance the community.”

From "The Red Car to Hollywood" by Jennie Liu

Vocabulary lists containing improve

"Hitching a Ride"

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"Brothers in Hope"

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Excerpt from "Do Something!"

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