best 1 of 3

adjective

Definition of bestnext
as in Sunday

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Dissimilar Words

best

2 of 3

noun

1
as in attire
dressy clothing the family wore their best to the wedding

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in elite
individuals carefully selected as being the best of a class only the best will go on to the finals

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

best

3 of 3

verb

as in to worst
to achieve a victory over at last she's bested her card-playing mother at the game of hearts

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of best
Adjective
First, generative AI can boost productivity for novice and lower-skilled workers by more than 30%—and sometimes even more—by rapidly distributing best practices. — Usman Shuja, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026 The Spaniard also collected the queen of the mountains jersey, while Lotte Kopecky finished with the points jersey and Marion Bunel was crowned best young rider. — Jessica Hopkins, New York Times, 9 May 2026
Noun
Scott William Winters plays Clark, a Harvard student who Will intellectually bests. — Jacqueline Weiss, PEOPLE, 28 July 2026 His hitting metrics are all career bests, and he’s headed for his fourth consecutive season of 20-plus homers. — Zack Meisel, New York Times, 24 July 2026
Verb
The 48-year gap between his two most recent wins set a new record, besting the previous record holder, Reiner’s dad, Carl Reiner, according to Variety. — Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 15 Sep. 2026 The Bears set a franchise record for points in an opener, besting a 45-7 win over the Packers in 1948. — Joseph Person, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for best
Recent Examples of Synonyms for best
  1. stylish
  2. attire
  3. elite
  4. defeat
  5. elegant
  6. costume
  7. top
  8. overcome
Adjective
  • The shoe choice is also in character for Parker, whose real-life wardrobe has long been closely associated with stylish and luxury footwear.
    — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 2 Oct. 2026
  • These exist in both the structures of her music and the fantastical world building achieved through presenting herself as a stylish equine named Stella Stallion that exists in a natural wonderland world that’s like if Lisa Frank met Planet Earth.
    — Katie Bain, Billboard, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of stylish
Noun
  • The policy also says if an employee is found to be wearing inappropriate attire, they may be instructed to return home and change into appropriate clothing.
    — Ana Goñi-Lessan, Miami Herald, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Like Johnson’s attire, Hathaway’s look incorporated plenty of sparkle, though the crushed fabric on the bodice creating a rosette effect certainly elevated the look.
    — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of attire
Noun
  • Meanwhile, new Gallup research suggested the technology’s benefits have largely been concentrated among elites.
    — Morgan Chalfant, semafor.com, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Voters should select their candidates instead of the elites who spend millions of dollars to place their preferred candidates in office.
    — Josh Bergeron, Charlotte Observer, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of elite
Verb
  • Trump’s appearance in San Antonio comes as Republicans fight to keep Democratic Senate nominee James Talarico from defeating Paxton.
    — Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Unfortunately, the same forces that defeated previous permitting reform packages — primarily left-wing interest groups — are threatening to smother this legislation.
    — Editorial Board, Washington Post, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of defeat
Adjective
  • The elegant and spacious suites feature terraces with sun loungers and panoramic ocean views.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Working with the local firm Dvira Interiors, the owners turned the 12,000-square-foot residence into an elegant home that takes advantage of refined touches like ornate decorative moldings and brushed bronze and satin gold fixtures.
    — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of elegant
Noun
  • The series puts an all-Korean cast in Western Baroque costume and was shot largely in Europe.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Have your camera ready when arriving or departing, as the staff usually perform an entertaining song and dance in traditional costumes.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of costume
Noun
  • Instead of using a conventional crane capable of reaching the top of the tower, the company used a telescoping tower design.
    — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Waiting at the top is a life-changing jackpot, to share with whoever makes it there.
    — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of top
Verb
  • These sessions have helped Ellis develop a better understanding of the challenges others have overcome.
    — Sam Birchall, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2026
  • The three-time AL MVP played just seven games after May 31 because of a fractured rib and the leg injury, an absence the team couldn't overcome.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of overcome

Phrases Containing best

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bespoken
best
best bib and tucker
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Cite this Entry

“Best.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/best. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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