AMELIORATE Synonyms: 57 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'ameliorate' distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of ameliorate are better , help , and improve . While all these words mean "to make more acceptable or to bring nearer a standard," ameliorate implies making more tolerable or acceptable conditions that are hard to endure. // tried to ameliorate the lives of people in the tenements

Q: When is 'help' a more appropriate choice than 'ameliorate'?

The meanings of help and ameliorate largely overlap; however, help implies a bettering that still leaves room for improvement. // a coat of paint would help that house

Q: How are the words 'improve' and 'better' related as synonyms of 'ameliorate'?

Both 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

ameliorate

verb

ə-ˈmēl-yə-ˌrāt

Definition of ameliorate next

as in to improve

to make better social legislation that must be given credit for ameliorating the lot of millions of deprived people

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word ameliorate distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of ameliorate are better, help, and improve. While all these words mean "to make more acceptable or to bring nearer a standard," ameliorate implies making more tolerable or acceptable conditions that are hard to endure.

tried to ameliorate the lives of people in the tenements

When is help a more appropriate choice than ameliorate?

The meanings of help and ameliorate largely overlap; however, help implies a bettering that still leaves room for improvement.

a coat of paint would help that house

How are the words improve and better related as synonyms of ameliorate?

Both 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

Examples Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of ameliorate Experts in the industry are starting to realize that China’s advantage in energy and land could help ameliorate China’s lag in chip development. —

Grace Shao, Fortune Asia, 10 Oct. 2024 Policymakers are questioning many of the fundamental ideas that once guided American policy, including the convergence of economic and political goals, the value of engagement, and the idea that cooperation can ameliorate competition and produce stability. —

Evan Medeiros, Foreign Affairs, 17 Mar. 2021 The fortitude, wisdom, and humanity of Hurley’s later-season characterization helped ameliorate the writing’s earlier efforts to undermine him—although these developments didn’t undo that history. —

Rebecca Bodenheimer, The Atlantic, 30 Sep. 2024 Over the last five years, the state government has spent some $24 billion to ameliorate homelessness, which, according to polls, is California’s most troublesome issue. —

Dan Walters, The Mercury News, 24 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for ameliorate