ameliorate (C1)

verb

Pronunciation: /əˈmiːliəreɪt/

Definition

To make something bad or unsatisfactory better.

Examples

• The doctor prescribed medication to ameliorate the patient's pain.

• Efforts are being made to ameliorate the harsh effects of climate change.

• She hoped her apology would ameliorate the tension between them.

How to Use ameliorate

ameliorate the effects of (collocation)

To lessen the negative impact of something. — "New irrigation systems were installed to ameliorate the effects of drought."

ameliorate a problem (collocation)

To make a problem less severe. — "The government introduced measures to ameliorate the housing problem."

Synonyms of ameliorate

Words with a similar meaning to ameliorate:

• improve
• better
• alleviate
• mitigate
• rectify

Antonyms of ameliorate

Words with the opposite meaning to ameliorate:

• worsen
• aggravate
• exacerbate

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