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improve

verb
im·​prove | \ im-ˈprüv How to pronounce improve (audio) \
improved; improving

Definition of improve

transitive verb

1a : to enhance in value or quality : make better
b : to increase the value of (land or property) by making it more useful for humans (as by cultivation or the erection of buildings)
c : to grade and drain (a road) and apply surfacing material other than pavement
2 : to use to good purpose
3 archaic : employ, use

intransitive verb

1 : to advance or make progress in what is desirable
2 : to make useful additions or amendments
Other Words from improve Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Learn More about improve

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Other Words from improve

improvability \ (ËŒ)im-​ËŒprü-​vÉ™-​ˈbi-​lÉ™-​tÄ“ How to pronounce improvability (audio) \ noun
improvable \ (ËŒ)im-​ˈprü-​vÉ™-​bÉ™l How to pronounce improvable (audio) \ adjective
improver noun

Synonyms & Antonyms for improve

Synonyms

ameliorate, amend, better, enhance, enrich, help, meliorate, perfect, refine, upgrade

Antonyms

worsen

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Choose the Right Synonym for improve

improve, better, help, ameliorate mean to make more acceptable or to bring nearer a standard. improve and better are general and interchangeable and apply to what can be made better whether it is good or bad. measures to further improve the quality of medical care immigrants hoping to better their lot help implies a bettering that still leaves room for improvement. a coat of paint would help that house ameliorate implies making more tolerable or acceptable conditions that are hard to endure. tried to ameliorate the lives of people in the tenements

Examples of improve in a Sentence

This operation will greatly improve her chances of survival. The advertising campaign has improved sales. Maybe we'll buy a house when our financial situation improves. Her writing has improved since the beginning of the school year. The company has been having steadily improving sales.
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Recent Examples on the Web

 Paramedics were called onto the field to attend to defensive back Dino Villalobos, whose condition has improved since the incident, Harris said. — Vincent Nguyen, Glendale News-Press, "La Cañada football stunts Glendale to win second straight," 31 Aug. 2019 Cuddlers like Ready have improved the care provided to patients and their families at UNC-Rex, the hospital says. — Cole Higgins, CNN, "Cuddlers wanted: North Carolina hospital needs volunteers to snuggle newborn babies," 30 Aug. 2019 The best Saints defensive lineman, Sheldon Rankins, may not be back from injury until October, but Strief said the depth is improved in that line and elsewhere. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Column: Despite flaws, NFL game remains more watchable than NBA, MLB," 30 Aug. 2019 Mendez says in the video, before explaining how Samsung’s technology has helped improve his life. — Lindsay Kimble, PEOPLE.com, "Rob Mendez, Football Coach with No Limbs, Aims to Inspire in New Film: 'Focus on What You Can Do'," 28 Aug. 2019 Pernell McPhee has impressed in his return to Baltimore, and 2017 third-round pick Tim Williams has improved this summer. — Jonas Shaffer, baltimoresun.com, "Ravens confident they can offset defensive losses with Lamar Jackson at QB," 27 Aug. 2019 Satterfield noted that Pass has improved his accuracy throughout camp, including the team's second scrimmage. — Cameron Teague Robinson, The Courier-Journal, "Jawon Pass named Louisville football's starting quarterback," 26 Aug. 2019 The fact of the matter is almost every team in the West has improved. — oregonlive.com, "Canzano: Las Vegas doesn’t hate the Trail Blazers... it just likes money a lot more," 23 Aug. 2019 An alien world of life has emerged as explorers have plumbed the pitch-black depths with ever-improving technologies. — Eva Botkin-kowacki, The Christian Science Monitor, "NASA eyes the ocean: How the deep sea could unlock outer space," 23 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'improve.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of improve

1509, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

History and Etymology for improve

Middle English improuen, emprouen, from Anglo-French emprouer to make profit from, from French en- + pru, prou advantage, from Late Latin prode — more at proud

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More Definitions for improve

improve

verb
How to pronounce improve (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of improve

: to make (something) better
: to become better

See the full definition for improve in the English Language Learners Dictionary

improve

verb
im·​prove | \ im-ˈprüv How to pronounce improve (audio) \
improved; improving

Kids Definition of improve

: to make or become better Her writing has greatly improved.

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More from Merriam-Webster on improve

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for improve

Spanish Central: Translation of improve

Nglish: Translation of improve for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of improve for Arabic Speakers

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