verb
1.
to make more acceptable or bring nearer to some standard
studied hard to improve her chances of success
Synonyms: ameliorate, amend, better, help, meliorate
Related Word: cultivate, develop, perfect; correct, emend, rectify, reform, remedy; edit, revise; enhance, enrich, refine, rub up, upgrade
Contrasted words: diminish, downgrade, lessen, lower
2.
Synonyms: illuminate 2, edify, enlighten, illume, illumine, irradiate, uplift
3.
to grow or become better (as in health or well-being)
the invalid is steadily improving
Synonyms: ameliorate, convalesce, gain, look up, mend, perk (up), recuperate
Related Word: advance, better, progress; recover; rally, revive, strengthen
Idioms: gain ground, make progress
Contrasted words: decline, deteriorate, fail, flag, languish, run down, sink, weaken