Ameliorate
harduh-MEEL-yuh-rayt
verb
Definition
To make something bad or unsatisfactory better
Examples
“The new policies helped ameliorate living conditions in the area.”
“Exercise can ameliorate symptoms of depression.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Ameliorate is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "improve" or "alleviate" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "worsen".
Related GRE Words
alleviate
To make suffering, deficiency, or a problem less severe
mitigate
To make less severe, serious, or painful
assuage
To make an unpleasant feeling less intense; to satisfy an appetite or desire
metamorphose
To change or cause to change completely in form or nature
transmute
To change in form, nature, or substance
progress
To move forward or onward in space or time; to develop toward an improved state
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