Better — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective verb adverb noun auxiliary verb /ˈbe-tər/ bet·ter

Meaning & Definition of Better

Better (adjective)

  1. greater than half
  2. improved in health or mental attitude
  3. more attractive, favorable, or commendable

Better (verb)

  1. to make better
  2. to make more tolerable or acceptable
  3. to make more complete or perfect

Better (adverb)

  1. in a more excellent manner
  2. to greater advantage, preferably
  3. to a higher or greater degree

Better (noun)

  1. something better
  2. a superior especially in merit or rank
  3. advantage, victory

Better (auxiliary verb)

  1. had better

Better (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. as in special, exceptional

    similar: exceptional, fancy, high-grade, special, bijou, jewellike, elite, exclusive, choice, dainty, delicate, elegant, exquisite, fine, rare, recherché, select, classic, excellent, fabulous, first-class, first-rate, grand, great, marvelous, noble, outstanding, par excellence, premium, prime, sensational, splendid, stellar, sterling, superb, superior, superlative, supernal, terrific, tip-top, top, top-notch, transcendent, unsurpassed, wonderful, ultrarare
    opposite: coarse, gross, kitsch, kitschy, lowbrow, raffish, rough, rough-hewn, tasteless, uncultivated, uncultured, unpolished, unrefined, vulgar, commercial, mass-produced, popular, common, ordinary, average, lesser, mediocre, run-of-the-mill, run-of-the-mine, second-class, second-rate, deficient, inferior, low-grade, substandard, unacceptable, unsatisfactory, wanting

Better (adverb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to a greater or higher extent

    "he knows property law better than anyone else"

    similar: more

Better (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. one who is above another in rank, station, or office

    "be polite to your betters and to your inferiors in equal measure"

    similar: elder, senior, superior
    related: boss, chief, head, leader, master
    opposite: inferior, subordinate, underling
    near: assistant, deputy

  2. the more favorable condition or position in a competition

    "she got the better of her opponents very early in the race"

    similar: advantage, bulge, catbird seat, drop, edge, high ground, inside track, jump, pull, stead, upper hand, vantage, whip hand, coign of vantage
    related: allowance, head start, lead, leg up, margin, odds, start, ascendancy, command, dominance, mastery, predominance, superiority, supremacy, transcendence, transcendency, precedence, preference, prerogative, privilege, seniority, break, foothold, opportunity, benefit, blessing, boon, felicity, godsend, manna, windfall
    opposite: disadvantage, drawback, handicap, liability, minus, penalty, strike
    near: detriment, stranglehold, disparity, imbalance, inequality, unevenness, disability, failing, impairment, shortcoming, bar, catch, check, clog, crimp, embarrassment, hindrance, hitch, hurdle, impediment, interference, let, manacle, obstacle, obstruction, rub, shackle, stop, trammel, lurch, setback

Better (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to be greater, better, or stronger than

    "this year's profits should better last year's by a wide margin"

    similar: beat, eclipse, exceed, excel, outclass, outdistance, outdo, outgun, outmatch, outshine, outstrip, overtop, surpass, top, tower (over), transcend, go one better, run circles around
    related: 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: lose (to)

  2. to make better

    "social workers and reformers trying to better the lives of inner-city residents"

    similar: ameliorate, amend, enhance, enrich, help, improve, meliorate, perfect, refine, upgrade
    related: correct, emend, rectify, reform, remediate, remedy, edit, fine-tune, redraft, refurbish, rehab, rehabilitate, revamp, revise, rework, beef (up), boost, fortify, intensify, reinforce, strengthen, fine, hone, polish, retouch, touch up
    opposite: worsen
    near: damage, endamage, harm, hurt, impair, injure, spoil, tarnish, vitiate, blemish, blight, deface, disfigure, flaw, mar, diminish, lessen, lower, reduce

Related Entry: Bettor (noun)

Bettor is a different word from Better. The synonyms below are for bettor, not for better.

  1. one that bets (as on the outcome of a contest or sports event)

    "bettors on the horse race have to place their bets at least 20 minutes before the start of the race"

    similar: gambler, gamester, punter (chiefly British), wagerer
    related: high roller, piker, dicer, bluffer, sharper, speculator, bookmaker, handicapper, oddsmaker, tipster

Related Entry: Good (adjective)

Good is a different word from Better. The synonyms below are for good, not for better.

  1. giving pleasure or contentment to the mind or senses

    "we had a good time at the movies"

    similar: agreeable, blessed, congenial, darling, delectable, delicious, delightful, delightsome, dreamy, dulcet, enjoyable, felicitous, grateful, gratifying, heavenly, jolly, luscious, nice, palatable, pleasant, pleasing, pleasurable, pretty, satisfying, savory, sweet, tasty, welcome
    related: alluring, attractive, desirable, enviable, inviting, relishable, tempting, charming, enchanting, fascinating, calming, comforting, soothing, amusing, diverting, entertaining, recreative, affable, amiable, cheerful, cheery, comfortable, gemütlich, genial, goodly, good-natured, gracious, hospitable, kindly, personable, blissful, felicific, glad, happy, joyous, elating, exhilarating, intoxicating, ecstatic, euphoric, nirvanic, rapturous
    opposite: disagreeable, pleasureless, unpalatable, unpleasant, unwelcome
    near: abominable, ghastly, god-awful, hellish, horrid, miserable, wretched, bilious, disgusting, distasteful, obnoxious, offensive, repellent, repugnant, repulsive, revulsive, unsavory, vile, yucky, abhorrent, detestable, hateful, odious, boring, commonplace, dull, flat, insipid, irksome, stale, tedious, displeasing, dissatisfying, depressing, disheartening, dismal, dreary, gloomy, heartbreaking, heartrending, joyless, lachrymose, sad, unhappy, deplorable, doleful, dolorous, lamentable, lugubrious, mournful, regrettable, sorrowful, tragic, aggravating, annoying, exasperating, irritating, peeving, perturbing, vexing, forbidding, hostile, intimidating, angering, enraging, incensing, inflaming, infuriating, maddening, outraging, rankling, riling, distressing, disturbing, upsetting

  2. based on sound reasoning or information

    "had enough information to make a good assessment of the situation"

    similar: commonsense, commonsensible, commonsensical, firm, hard, informed, just, justified, levelheaded, logical, rational, reasonable, reasoned, sensible, sober, solid, valid, well-founded
    related: actual, real, true, certain, sure, certified, validated, verified, confirmed, corroborated, substantiated, cogent, convincing, colorable, credible, plausible
    opposite: groundless, illogical, invalid, irrational, nonrational, nonsensical, nonvalid, unfounded, uninformed, unjustified, unreasonable, unreasoned, unsound
    near: unsubstantiated, unsupported, unwarranted, flimsy, implausible, unconvincing, weak, fallacious, false, misguided, misled

  3. conforming to a high standard of morality or virtue

    "a good person who seldom did wrong"

    "good behavior will earn you the respect of others"

    similar: all right, decent, ethical, honest, honorable, just, moral, nice, right, righteous, right-minded, straight, true, upright, virtuous
    related: correct, decorous, proper, seemly, high-minded, noble, principled, commendable, creditable, exemplary, legitimate, esteemed, law-abiding, menschy, reputable, respected, upstanding, worthy, blameless, clean, guiltless, immaculate, incorrupt, incorruptible, innocent, inoffensive, irreproachable, unobjectionable, angelic, lily-white, pure, scrupulous, spotless, uncorrupted, unerring, goody-goody, moralistic, pharisaical, rectitudinous, sanctimonious, self-righteous
    opposite: bad, dishonest, dishonorable, evil, evil-minded, immoral, indecent, sinful, unethical, unrighteous, wicked, wrong
    near: improper, incorrect, indecorous, naughty, unbecoming, unseemly, corrupt, debased, debauched, degenerate, depraved, dissolute, libertine, perverted, reprobate, unprincipled, unscrupulous, atrocious, infamous, villainous, base, low, mean, vicious, vile, blameworthy, objectionable, offensive, iniquitous, nefarious, errant, erring, fallen

  4. according to the rules of logic

    "you don't need a good reason to stop doing that—it's because I said so"

    similar: analytic, coherent, consequent, logical, rational, reasonable, sensible, sound, valid, well-founded, well-grounded
    related: a posteriori, a priori, syllogistic, cognitive, empirical, defendable, defensible, justifiable, maintainable, supportable, sustainable, tenable
    opposite: illegitimate, illogical, incoherent, inconsequent, inconsequential, invalid, irrational, unreasonable, unsound, weak
    near: casuistic, eristic, fallacious, misleading, sophistic, specious, unarticulated, unscientific, absurd, cockeyed, crazy, daffy, fatuous, half-baked, half-witted, harebrained, insane, loony, mad, nonsensical, nutty, preposterous, simpleminded, stupid, weak-minded, witless, senseless, thoughtless, uncompelling, unconvincing

  5. being to one's liking

    "that band's music is good"

    similar: agreeable, all right, alright, copacetic, ducky, fine, hunky-dory, jake (slang), OK, palatable, satisfactory
    related: delectable, delicious, delightful, dreamy, felicitous, gratifying, nice, pleasant, pleasing, scrumptious, welcome, acceptable, adequate, decent, passable, tolerable
    opposite: disagreeable, unsatisfactory
    near: bad, deficient, inferior, lousy, poor, punk, substandard, unacceptable, wanting, wretched, mediocre, middling, second-class, second-rate

  6. expressing approval

    "gave the restaurant a good review"

    similar: admiring, applauding, appreciative, approbatory, approving, commendatory, complimentary, favorable, friendly, positive
    related: accepting, warm, encomiastic, eulogistic, flattering, hagiographic, laudative, laudatory, panegyrical, praiseful, respectful, supportive, sympathetic, adoring, adulatory, idolizing, worshipful, worshipping, advisory, recommendatory
    opposite: adverse, depreciative, depreciatory, derogatory, disapproving, inappreciative, negative, unappreciative, uncomplimentary, unfavorable, unflattering, unfriendly
    near: captious, carping, caviling, censuring, critical, faultfinding, hypercritical, overcritical, belittling, contemptuous, disdainful, disparaging, scornful, slighting

  7. firm in one's allegiance to someone or something

    "a good Democrat who wouldn't dream of voting for a Republican candidate"

    similar: constant, dedicated, devoted, devout, down-the-line, faithful, fast, loyal, pious, staunch, steadfast, steady, true, true-blue
    related: dependable, dutiful, reliable, responsible, solid, tried, tried-and-true, trustworthy, trusty, unfaltering, unhesitating, unwavering, determined, intent, resolute, confirmed, dyed-in-the-wool, inveterate, sworn, ardent, avid, enthusiastic, fervent, fervid, gung ho, impassioned, passionate, serious
    opposite: disloyal, faithless, false, fickle, inconstant, perfidious, recreant, traitorous, treacherous, unfaithful, untrue
    near: irresponsible, undependable, unreliable, untrustworthy, faltering, hesitant, vacillating, wavering, dubious, irresolute, shaky, uncertain, apathetic, dispassionate, uninterested

  8. having or showing exceptional knowledge, experience, or skill in a field of endeavor

    "he's good at math"

    similar: accomplished, ace, adept, compleat, complete, consummate, crack, crackerjack, educated, experienced, expert, great, master, masterful, masterly, practiced, professed, proficient, skilled, skillful, versed, veteran, virtuoso
    related: adroit, clever, deft, dexterous, handy, slick, sure-handed, gifted, talented, polished, refined, effective, effectual, efficient, workmanlike, able, capable, competent, employable, fit, fitted, habile, qualified, knowledgeable, schooled, taught, trained, tutored, all-around, well-rounded, long-term, old, multiskilled, multitalented
    opposite: amateur, amateurish, inexperienced, inexpert, jackleg, unprofessional, unseasoned, unskilled, unskillful
    near: incapable, incompetent, inept, unable, unfit, unfitted, unqualified, weak, artless, crude, rude, ineffective, ineffectual, inefficient, talentless, ungifted, untalented, ignorant, unschooled, untaught, untrained, untutored, beginning, green, inexperienced, new, raw, unseasoned, untested, untried, would-be, primitive, rough, unpolished, awkward, clumsy, ham-fisted, ham-handed, heavy-handed

  9. having sufficient worth or merit to receive one's honor, esteem, or reward

    "she is good enough to win a fellowship"

    similar: deserving, meritorious, worthy
    related: admirable, commendable, creditable, laudable, praiseworthy, invaluable, priceless, cherished, prized, treasured, choice, excellent, exceptional, fancy, high-grade, primary, prime, special
    opposite: no-good, undeserving, valueless, worthless
    near: base, cheap, inferior, second-rate, substandard, bad, defective, flawed, imperfect, deficient, inadequate, insufficient, unacceptable, unsatisfactory

  10. having the required skills for an acceptable level of performance

    "that electrician is good at what he does"

    similar: able, capable, competent, equal, fit, qualified, suitable, on the ball
    related: accomplished, ace, adept, experienced, expert, master, masterful, masterly, practiced, proficient, seasoned, skilled, skillful, veteran, overqualified, prepared, schooled, trained, apt, ready, willing, all-around, protean, versatile
    opposite: incompetent, inept, poor, unfit, unfitted, unqualified
    near: inexperienced, inexpert, unseasoned, unskilled, unskillful, unprepared, unschooled, untrained, beginning, green, new, raw, untested, untried

  11. meeting the requirements of a purpose or situation

    "those rotten apples aren't good to eat"

    similar: applicable, appropriate, apt, becoming, befitting, felicitous, fit, fitted, fitting, happy, meet, pretty, proper, right, suitable, in order
    related: condign, deserved, just, justified, needed, required, requisite, able, capable, competent, cut out, qualified, trained, pitch-perfect, acceptable, adequate, decent, kosher, satisfactory, serviceable, tolerable, correct, decorous, respectable, seemly, balanced, companionate, congruous, consonant, harmonious, rightful
    opposite: improper, inapplicable, inapposite, inappropriate, inapt, incongruous, indecent, infelicitous, malapropos, misbecoming, unapt, unbecoming, unbeseeming, unfit, unfitting, unhappy, unmeet, unseemly, unsuitable, wrong
    near: incapable, incompetent, inept, inexpert, unqualified, unskilled, unskillful, untrained, inadequate, intolerable, unacceptable, unsatisfactory, graceless, incorrect, indecorous, incompatible, uncongenial

  12. sufficiently large in size, amount, or number to merit attention

    "had a good number of valuable baseball cards in his collection"

    similar: biggish, considerable, goodly, handsome, healthy, largish, major, respectable, significant, sizable, substantial, substantive, tidy
    related: big, bulky, hefty, hulking, outsize, oversize, voluminous, astronomical, bumper, colossal, elephantine, enormous, gigantic, great, herculean, huge, immense, jumbo, king-size, mammoth, massive, monstrous, monumental, prodigious, titanic, tremendous, whopping
    opposite: inconsequential, inconsiderable, insignificant, insubstantial, negligible, nominal
    near: measly, minute, paltry, petty, picayune, picayunish, piddling, puny, trifling, trivial, unimportant, marginal, meager, slight, little, small, tiny, undersized, bitty, diminutive, miniature, pint-size, pocket, pocket-size, pygmy, smallish

  13. worthy of one's trust

    "a car that should be good for another few years"

    similar: calculable, dependable, reliable, responsible, safe, secure, solid, steady, sure, tried, tried-and-true, true, trustable, trustworthy, trusty
    related: constant, devoted, faithful, fast, loyal, staunch, steadfast, true-blue, honest, sincere, single-minded, infallible, unerring, bedrock, firm, sound, strong, effective, telling, attested, authenticated, confirmed, proven, valid, validated, verified, blameless, faultless, guiltless, impeccable, inerrant, irreproachable, unimpeachable, unquestionable
    opposite: dodgy (chiefly British), uncertain, undependable, unreliable, unsafe, untrustworthy
    near: disloyal, faithless, false, fickle, inconstant, perfidious, recreant, traitorous, treacherous, unfaithful, untrue, deceitful, dishonest, lying, mendacious, untruthful, debatable, disputable, doubtable, doubtful, dubious, fishy, problematic, questionable, shady, shaky, suspect, uncertain, unsound, hazardous, risky, unconfirmed, untried

  14. being in agreement with the truth or a fact or a standard

    "if these measurements are good, the venetian blind should fit the window perfectly"

    similar: accurate, bang on (chiefly British), correct, dead-on, exact, on-target, precise, proper, right, so, spot-on, true, veracious, on target, on the money
    related: legitimate, logical, sound, valid, errorless, faultless, flawless, impeccable, inerrant, infallible, letter-perfect, perfect, rigorous, strict, stringent
    opposite: false, improper, inaccurate, incorrect, inexact, off, untrue, wrong
    near: defective, faulty, flawed, imperfect

  15. very pleasing to look at

    "an actress who always looks good on-screen"

    similar: aesthetic, attractive, beauteous, beautiful, bonny (chiefly British), comely, cute, drop-dead, fair, fetching, good-looking, goodly, gorgeous, handsome, knockout, likely, lovely, lovesome, pretty, ravishing, seemly, sightly, stunning, taking, well-favored
    related: alluring, appealing, charming, cunning, delightful, engaging, fascinating, glamorous, prepossessing, elegant, exquisite, glorious, Junoesque, magnificent, resplendent, splendid, statuesque, sublime, superb, flawless, perfect, radiant, dainty, delicate, personable, pleasant, presentable, chocolate-box, prettyish, desirable, dishy, dollish, foxy, hot, luscious, nubile, pulchritudinous, seductive, sexy, toothsome, hunky, studly (slang), arresting, eye-catching, flamboyant, flashy, glossy, showstopping, showy, slick, snazzy, splashy, striking, zingy, photogenic, telegenic
    opposite: grotesque, hideous, homely, ill-favored, plain, ugly, unaesthetic, unattractive, unbeautiful, uncomely, uncute, unhandsome, unlovely, unpleasing, unpretty, unsightly
    near: abhorrent, abominable, bad, disagreeable, disgusting, dreadful, foul, frightful, ghastly, horrible, loathsome, nasty, nauseating, objectionable, offensive, repellent, repugnant, repulsive, revolting, shocking, sickening, terrible, vile, unappealing, unappetizing, unimposing, unpleasant, unprepossessing, frumpish, frumpy, unbecoming, unshapely

  16. beneficial to the health of body or mind

    "eating a good breakfast will provide you with more energy during the day"

    "didn't like broccoli even though he knew it was good for him"

    similar: healthful, healthy, medicinal, restorative, salubrious, salutary, salutiferous, sanative, tonic, wholesome
    related: alleviative, corrective, curative, recuperative, refreshing, rehabilitative, rejuvenating, rejuvenescent, remedial, advantageous, useful, antiseptic, aseptic, clean, hygienic, sanitary, nourishing, nutritional, nutritious, nonpoisonous, nontoxic
    opposite: insalubrious, noxious, unhealthful, unhealthy, unwholesome
    near: damaging, deleterious, harmful, injurious, pernicious, infectious, poisonous, sickening, toxic, insanitary, unhygienic, unsanitary

  17. having or showing a concern for the welfare of others

    "if the church is to stay open, it's going to have to receive more than good intentions from its members"

    similar: altruistic, beneficent, benevolent, charitable, do-good, eleemosynary, humanitarian, philanthropic
    related: selfless, self-sacrificing, bighearted, bounteous, bountiful, free, freehanded, generous, greathearted, handsome, liberal, magnanimous, munificent, openhanded, openhearted, unselfish, unsparing, compassionate, humane, kind, kindhearted, social-minded
    opposite: self-centered, self-concerned, selfish
    near: self-indulgent, self-seeking, cheap, closefisted, miserly, parsimonious, stingy, tight, tightfisted, hard-hearted, pitiless, unfeeling, self-obsessed

  18. of a level of quality that meets one's needs or standards

    "the food at that restaurant is good but hardly great"

    similar: acceptable, adequate, all right, decent, fairish, fine, OK, passable, respectable, satisfactory, serviceable, tolerable, up to snuff
    related: agreeable, bearable, endurable, sufferable, average, fair, indifferent, mediocre, middling, minimal, common, ordinary, run-of-the-mill, run-of-the-mine, second-rate, so-so, standard, unexceptional, appropriate, correct, due, fitting, meet, proper, right, seemly, suitable, useful, worthy, gratifying, satisfying
    opposite: deficient, inadequate, insufficient, lacking, unacceptable, unsatisfactory, wanting
    near: disagreeable, disreputable, improper, indecent, objectionable, unfit, unsuitable, unworthy, useless, wrong, bad, cheap, defective, faulty, imperfect, incomplete, lamentable, pitiful, shoddy, dissatisfying, insufficient, meager, mean, miserly, poor, scanty, shabby, short, skimpy, spare, stingy, insufferable, intolerable, unbearable, unendurable, atrocious, execrable, miserable, vile, wretched, exceptional, exquisite, extreme, fancy, first-class, high-grade, matchless, maximized, maximum, optimal, optimum, peerless, preeminent, premium, special, supreme, unmatched, unparalleled, A1, bang-up, banner, boss (slang), capital, classic, crackerjack, dandy, divine, fabulous, first-rate, grand, great, groovy, heavenly, jim-dandy, keen, marvelous, neat, nifty, noble, par excellence, prime, sensational, splendid, stellar, sterling, superb, superior, superlative, supernal, swell, terrific, tip-top, top, top-notch, unsurpassed, wonderful

  19. promoting or contributing to personal or social well-being

    "product packaging that is intended to be good for the environment"

    similar: advantageous, benefic, beneficent, beneficial, benignant, favorable, friendly, helpful, kindly, profitable, salutary
    related: gratifying, rewarding, satisfying, auspicious, promising, propitious, advisable, desirable, healthful, healthy, salubrious, salutiferous, wholesome, gainful, lucrative, remunerative, ameliorative, amelioratory, bettering, constructive, supportive
    opposite: bad, disadvantageous, unfavorable, unfriendly, unhelpful, unprofitable
    near: damaging, deleterious, harmful, injurious, insalubrious

Related Entry: Good (adverb)

Good is a different word from Better. The synonyms below are for good, not for better.

  1. in a satisfactory way

    "things are going good for us"

    similar: acceptably, adequately, all right, alright, creditably, decently, fine, middlingly, nicely, OK, passably, respectably, satisfactorily, serviceably, so-so, sufficiently, tolerably, well
    related: appropriately, aptly, congruously, correctly, decorously, felicitously, fittingly, happily, meetly, rightly, seemly, suitably, gratifyingly, satisfyingly, effectively, effectually, efficiently, neatly, tidily
    opposite: bad, badly, deficiently, ill, inadequately, insufficiently, intolerably, poorly, unacceptably, unsatisfactorily
    near: unbearably, inappropriately, incorrectly, indecently, unsuitably, awfully, deplorably, disastrously, dreadfully, horrendously, horribly, horridly, miserably, terribly

Related Entry: Well (adverb)

Well is a different word from Better. The synonyms below are for well, not for better.

  1. in a satisfactory way

    "our current system for dividing household chores works well, so let's keep it"

    similar: acceptably, adequately, all right, alright, creditably, decently, fine, good, middlingly, nicely, OK, passably, respectably, satisfactorily, serviceably, so-so, sufficiently, tolerably
    related: appropriately, aptly, congruously, correctly, decorously, felicitously, fittingly, happily, meetly, rightly, seemly, suitably, gratifyingly, satisfyingly, effectively, effectually, efficiently, neatly, tidily
    opposite: bad, badly, deficiently, ill, inadequately, insufficiently, intolerably, poorly, unacceptably, unsatisfactorily
    near: unbearably, inappropriately, incorrectly, indecently, unsuitably, awfully, deplorably, disastrously, dreadfully, horrendously, horribly, horridly, miserably, terribly

  2. in a generous manner

    "a warm and gracious host who always treats guests well"

    similar: amply, bounteously, bountifully, freehandedly, freeheartedly, generously, handsomely, lavishly, liberally, munificently, openhandedly, unstintingly
    related: considerately, courteously, hospitably, kindly, nicely, reasonably, sweetly, thoughtfully, affably, amiably, cheerfully, cheerily, congenially, cordially, friendlily, genially, good-heartedly, good-naturedly, graciously, selflessly, ungrudgingly, unselfishly, altruistically, beneficently, benevolently, bigheartedly, charitably, humanely, kindheartedly, magnanimously, philanthropically
    opposite: parsimoniously, stingily, ungenerously
    near: contemptuously, disdainfully, rudely, scornfully, obnoxiously, provocatively, coldly, coolly, frigidly, hostilely, angrily, belligerently, begrudgingly, grudgingly

  3. in a skillful or expert manner

    "she plays the piano very well"

    similar: ably, adeptly, adroitly, artfully, capably, competently, consummately, deftly, expertly, masterfully, masterly, proficiently, skillfully
    related: aptly, fluently, cleanly, cleverly, dexterously, neatly, nimbly, easily, facilely, handily
    opposite: amateurishly, artlessly, incapably, incompetently, inefficiently, ineptly, inexpertly, poorly, unskillfully
    near: inaptly, awkwardly, clumsily, crudely

  4. with good reason or courtesy

    "we cannot well get out of going to your cousin's wedding"

    similar: considerately, courteously, graciously, kindly, nicely, reasonably, thoughtfully
    related: pleasantly, excusably, fairly, justifiably, validly, discreetly, judiciously, prudently, sensibly, wisely, chivalrously, decorously, deferentially, gallantly, politely, respectfully, solicitously, compassionately, humanely, kindheartedly, sweetly, sympathetically
    opposite: discourteously, inconsiderately, thoughtlessly
    near: contemptuously, disdainfully, disrespectfully, impolitely, rudely, scornfully, snootily, cruelly, heartlessly, nastily, viciously, shabbily, unfairly

  5. in a pleasing way

    "the day went well, despite the rough beginning"

    similar: agreeably, charmingly, delectably, deliciously, delightfully, dreamily, enchantingly, enjoyably, favorably, felicitously, fetchingly, gloriously, gratifyingly, great, nicely, palatably, pleasantly, pleasingly, pleasurably, prettily, satisfyingly, splendidly, sweetly, swimmingly, welcomely, winningly
    related: finely, grandly, magnificently, advantageously, helpfully, blessedly, fortunately, happily, luckily, excellently, superbly, marvelously, sensationally, wonderfully, attractively, beautifully, handsomely, appealingly, appetizingly, enticingly, invitingly, temptingly
    opposite: badly, disagreeably, ill, unpleasantly
    near: abominably, appallingly, awfully, dreadfully, horrendously, horribly, horridly, shockingly, sickeningly, terribly, vilely, annoyingly, disgustingly, distressingly, irritatingly, vexingly

  6. to a full extent or degree

    "we are well aware that this home renovation is going to be costly"

    similar: all, all of, all over, altogether, clean, completely, dead, enough, entire, entirely, even, exactly, fast, flat, full, fully, heartily, out, perfectly, plumb (chiefly dialect), quite, soundly, thoroughly, through and through, totally, utterly, wholly, wide, all the way, at length, down the line, down to the ground, for fair, in whole, to bits, to pieces, to the hilt, to the max
    related: absolutely, categorically, cold, downright, hands down, plain, stone, stone-cold, unqualifiedly, basically, by and large, chiefly, generally, largely, mainly, more or less, mostly, overall, predominantly, predominately, primarily, principally, substantially, abundantly, copiously, generously, greatly
    opposite: half, halfway, incompletely, part, partially, partly
    near: barely, hardly, just, kind of, marginally, minimally, scarcely, slightly, superficially, approximately, roughly, somewhat

  7. without difficulty

    "he can well afford to spare the time"

    similar: easily, easy, effortlessly, facilely, fluently, freely, handily, hands down, lightly, painlessly, readily, smoothly, in a breeze, no sweat (slang), without ado, without a hitch
    related: ably, adeptly, adroitly, competently, deftly, dexterously, efficiently, expertly, masterfully, proficiently, skillfully, instinctively, intuitively, naturally, spontaneously
    opposite: arduously, hardly, laboriously, strenuously
    near: awkwardly, clumsily, gracelessly, ham-handedly, ineptly, maladroitly, unskillfully, meticulously, painfully, painstakingly, thoroughly, assiduously, diligently, indefatigably, industriously, intensely, intently, mightily, sedulously, tirelessly

Related Entry: Better half (noun)

Better half is a different word from Better. The synonyms below are for better half, not for better.

  1. the person to whom another is married

    "Allow me to introduce you to my better half, Joan"

    similar: consort, mate, partner, significant other, spouse
    related: soulmate, domestic partner, bridegroom, groom, hubby, husband, man, mister, old man, bride, helpmate, helpmeet, lady, wife
    near: ex, single, bachelor, bachelorette, maid, maiden, spinster

Related Entry: Better-off (adjective)

Better-off is a different word from Better. The synonyms below are for better-off, not for better.

  1. as in prosperous, propertied

    similar: comfortable, propertied, prosperous, substantial, successful, affluent, deep-pocketed, fat, fat-cat, flush, loaded, moneyed, opulent, rich, silk-stocking, wealthy, well-endowed, well-fixed, well-heeled, well-off, well-to-do, flourishing, prospering, thriving, advantaged, blessed, privileged
    opposite: destitute, impecunious, impoverished, indigent, needy, penniless, penurious, poor, poverty-stricken, unaffluent, deprived, disadvantaged, hand-to-mouth, underprivileged, bankrupt, bankrupted, beggared, broke, indebted, insolvent, pauperized, ruined, skint (chiefly British), depressed, pinched, reduced, straitened, low, short

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Better

The most common words with a similar meaning to Better:

exceptional, fancy, high-grade, special, bijou, jewellike, elite, exclusive, choice, dainty, delicate, elegant, exquisite, fine, rare, recherché, select, classic, excellent, fabulous, first-class, first-rate, grand, great, marvelous, noble, outstanding, par excellence, premium, prime, sensational, splendid, stellar, sterling, superb, superior, superlative, supernal, terrific, tip-top

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Better

Words with the opposite meaning of Better:

coarse, gross, kitsch, kitschy, lowbrow, raffish, rough, rough-hewn, tasteless, uncultivated, uncultured, unpolished, unrefined, vulgar, commercial, mass-produced, popular, common, ordinary, average, lesser, mediocre, run-of-the-mill, run-of-the-mine, second-class, second-rate, deficient, inferior, low-grade, substandard

Related Words for Better

boss, chief, head, leader, master, allowance, head start, lead, leg up, margin, odds, start, ascendancy, command, dominance, mastery, predominance, superiority, supremacy, transcendence, transcendency, precedence, preference, prerogative, privilege, seniority, break, foothold, opportunity, benefit

Near Antonyms of Better

assistant, deputy, detriment, stranglehold, disparity, imbalance, inequality, unevenness, disability, failing, impairment, shortcoming, bar, catch, check, clog, crimp, embarrassment, hindrance, hitch, hurdle, impediment, interference, let, manacle, obstacle, obstruction, rub, shackle, stop

Word Forms of Better

Inflections: bettered, bettering, betters

Origin & Etymology of Better

Middle English betere, bettere, bettre, better, going back to Old English betera, betra, bettra, going back to Germanic *batizōn (whence also Old Frisian betera, betra, Old Saxon betara, Old High German bezziro, Old Icelandic betri, Gothic batiza), comparative degree of an otherwise unattested adjective from a base *bat-, whence also, with lengthened o-grade, *bōtō "improvement," whence Old English bōt "a making good, remedy, improvement, atonement," Old Frisian bōte "atonement, compensation," Old Saxon bōta "remedy, aid, deliverance," Old High German buoza "amendment, remedy, penance, punishment," Old Icelandic bót "remedy, atonement, compensation," Gothic bota "usefulness, profit"; *bat- perhaps going back to Indo-European *bhHd-, zero-grade of a root *bheHd-, whence also Sanskrit bhadráḥ "fortunate, blessed, delightful," Avestan hubaδra- "fortunate" (< *bhoHd-ro, with loss of H before an unaspirated voiced stop)

First known use: before 12th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Better

Words & Phrases Containing Better

better half

Frequently Asked Questions about Better

What does "Better" mean?

"Better" means greater than half. As an an adjective, a verb, an adverb, a noun and an auxiliary verb, it is defined as: greater than half. It has 6 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Better"?

Other words for "Better" include exceptional, fancy, high-grade, special, bijou, jewellike, elite and exclusive. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Better" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Better"?

There are 186 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Better". Common alternatives include exceptional, fancy, high-grade, special, bijou, jewellike, elite, exclusive, choice and dainty.

What is the opposite of "Better"?

Antonyms of "Better" include coarse, gross, kitsch, kitschy, lowbrow, raffish, rough and rough-hewn. Near antonyms include assistant, deputy, detriment and stranglehold.

How do you use "Better" in a sentence?

Examples of "Better" in a sentence: "he knows property law better than anyone else"; "be polite to your betters and to your inferiors in equal measure"; "she got the better of her opponents very early in the race".

Is "Better" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Better" can be used as an adjective, a verb, an adverb, a noun and an auxiliary verb, depending on the context.

Is "Better" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As an A1-level word, "Better" is typical of Cambridge A1 Movers (Young Learners), TOEIC Listening & Reading 120+.

How do you pronounce "Better"?

"Better" is pronounced /ˈbe-tər/ and divided into syllables as bet·ter.