better

²better

verb

Definition of BETTER

transitive verb

1

: to make better: as a : to make more tolerable or acceptable <trying to better the lot of slum dwellers> b : to make more complete or perfect <looked forward to bettering her acquaintance with the new neighbors>

2

: to surpass in excellence : excel

intransitive verb

: to become better

Examples of BETTER

1. They are trying to better the lives of working people.
2. He looked forward to bettering his acquaintance with the new neighbors.
3. The team has bettered its chances of winning the championship.
4. She bettered her previous performance.
5. He set a record that has never been equaled or bettered.

First Known Use of BETTER

before 12th century

Related to BETTER

Synonyms: beat, surpass, eclipse, exceed, excel, outclass, outdistance, outdo, outgun, outmatch, outshine, outstrip, overtop, top, tower (over), transcend

Antonyms: worsen

Related Words: one-up, outpace, outrace, outrun, overpass; best, clobber, conquer, crush, defeat, drub, lick, master, outcompete, outperform, overcome, overmatch, prevail (over), rout, shame, skunk, subdue, surmount, thrash, trim, triumph (over), trounce, wallop, whip, win (against), worst; outbalance, outweigh, overbear, overshadow, trump

Near Antonyms: lose (to)

see all synonyms and antonyms

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See Synonym Discussion at improve

Rhymes with BETTER

fetter, letter, netter, petter, whetter