ameliorate
Americanverb (used with or without object)
verb
Usage
What are other ways to say ameliorate?
To ameliorate is to make or become better, more bearable, or more satisfactory. How is it different from the verbs improve and better? Find out on Thesaurus.com.
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
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ameliorablenessnoun
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ameliorantnoun
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amelioratornoun
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ameliorableadjective
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ameliorativeadjective
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amelioratoryadjective
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unameliorableadjective
Inflected Forms
Participles
Conjugated Forms
Present
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amelioratesimple
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amelioratessimple
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have amelioratedperfect
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has amelioratedperfect
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am amelioratingprogressive
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are amelioratingprogressive
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is amelioratingprogressive
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have been amelioratingperfect progressive
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has been amelioratingperfect progressive
Past
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amelioratedsimple
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had amelioratedperfect
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was amelioratingprogressive
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were amelioratingprogressive
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had been amelioratingperfect progressive
Future
Etymology
Origin of ameliorate
Explanation
To ameliorate is to step in and make a bad situation better. You could try introducing a second lollipop to ameliorate a battle between two toddlers over a single lollipop. The verb ameliorate comes from the Latin word meliorare, meaning “improve.” Food drives can ameliorate hunger. An air conditioner can ameliorate the discomfort of a stiflingly hot summer day. A sympathy card can ameliorate grief. Family therapy can ameliorate severe sibling rivalry. Anything that can lift a burden or make something better can ameliorate.
Vocabulary lists containing ameliorate
100 SAT Words Beginning with "A"
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The Crucible
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
His doctors managed to ameliorate the flaw with insoles, but not the pain.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 26, 2026
Exercising for two hours a day can partially ameliorate this issue, but it doesn’t prevent the problem entirely.
From Slate • Mar. 1, 2026
The three paragraphs on Africa at the end spoke about partnering with "select countries to ameliorate conflict, foster mutually beneficial trade relationships" and move from supplying aid to encouraging investment and economic growth.
From BBC • Feb. 12, 2026
While the loss of a player like Thompson would hurt Angel City on the field, the likely seven-figure transfer fee would help ameliorate that.
From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 3, 2025
No matter how sedulously Ben and Mary Anne prepared for the nightmare, nothing could ameliorate their discomfort at entering a new high school for their annual pilgrimage among strangers.
From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
