Search Dictionary
Definition of ameliorate

ameliorate

/əˈmiː.li.ə.reɪt/
a · me · li · o · rate
Adjective:ameliorative
•
Past Simple:ameliorated
•
Past Participle:ameliorated
•
Present Participle:ameliorating
JUMP TO:

ameliorate Lexical Profile

ameliorate Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To make something bad, unsatisfactory, or painful better, more bearable, or less severe.

Example

"The new public housing policy was designed to ameliorate the living conditions of low-income families."

2

To grow better or become less severe over time.

Example

"Economic conditions in the region began to ameliorate following the infrastructure investments."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for ameliorate
Antonyms
View all antonyms for ameliorate

Word Nuance & Usage

Unlike 'improve', which can apply to something already good, 'ameliorate' specifically implies making an unsatisfactory, painful, or burdensome condition better or more bearable.

• Nearby Words

ambusher
ameiva
amelia
ameliorate
amen
amenable
amenably

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the 18th century from French améliorer (altered from earlier amélorer), ultimately derived from Latin ad ('to') and meliorare ('to make better'), from melior ('better').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Ameliorate. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/ameliorate
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.