Another Word for Improve: 19 Synonyms with Examples
To improve is to make or become better. A more specific word can show how much better, or in what way: by fixing faults, adding value or building on what is there.
As a verb: make better
- enhance
- upgrade
- refine
- strengthen
- boost
- raise
- polish
As a verb: correct faults
- fix
- correct
- amend
- revise
- rectify
- reform
As a verb: get better
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How they differ
Synonyms share a meaning, not always a tone. Here is when to pick each of the main options.
- enhance
- Adds to something already good, often its quality, value or appearance.
- refine
- Small, careful improvements that make something more precise.
- strengthen
- Makes something more robust or convincing, such as an argument or a team.
- upgrade
- Moves to a newer or higher-quality version, common with equipment and facilities.
- boost
- Informal; a quick increase, often in numbers, confidence or sales.
- recover
- Gets better after a fall or illness, back to a previous level.
Example sentences
- enhance: Better lighting enhanced the colours of the paintings.
- refine: After the pilot, the team refined the questions to remove ambiguity.
- strengthen: A second source would strengthen your argument considerably.
- upgrade: The station upgraded its ticket machines to accept contactless payment.
- boost: Free samples boosted sales in the first week.
- recover: Footfall in the high street recovered slowly after the roadworks ended.
Opposite of improve
- worsen
- deteriorate
- decline
- damage
More from WordNet
Less common or more specialised words WordNet lists for other senses of “improve”. Check the meaning before you use one.
verb: better, ameliorate
WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Used under the WordNet licence.
Frequently asked questions
What is another word for “improve”?
The most useful alternatives are “enhance”, “upgrade”, “refine”, “strengthen”, “boost”. For the main sense (make better), “enhance” is usually the closest swap.
What is the difference between “enhance” and “refine”?
enhance: Adds to something already good, often its quality, value or appearance. refine: Small, careful improvements that make something more precise.
What is the opposite of “improve”?
Common antonyms are “worsen”, “deteriorate”, “decline”, “damage”.