1
as in attire
dressy clothing
the family wore their best to the wedding
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
as in to worst
to achieve a victory over
at last she's bested her card-playing mother at the game of hearts
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Stephanie Wenger, People.com, 26 Mar. 2025
Some of those nods included best picture, best sound and a best leading actor nomination for Chalamet.
—Edward Segarra, USA TODAY, 3 Mar. 2025
Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
Sutton set personal bests in targets (135), catches (81) and receiving yards (1,081) last fall.
—Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 30 July 2025
Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2025
And then third, Nixon, who had lost to Kennedy in the 1960 election, by the early 1970s, as president, was not about to ape and imitate the man who had bested him.
—Brian Domitrovic, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for best
Noun
Cameras also caught Braun giving Ward a kiss at their table after Succession won best drama series at Critics Choice Awards the same month.
—Stephanie Wenger, People.com, 26 Mar. 2025
Some of those nods included best picture, best sound and a best leading actor nomination for Chalamet.
—Edward Segarra, USA TODAY, 3 Mar. 2025
Verb
All of them climb this frame, and two earn new personal bests as millions mourn his passing.
—Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
Sutton set personal bests in targets (135), catches (81) and receiving yards (1,081) last fall.
—Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 30 July 2025
Adjective
With that gross, the play, written by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, also broke a house Hayes Theater, besting the tally brought in by Appropriate, another Jacobs-Jenkins play, last season.
—Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2025
And then third, Nixon, who had lost to Kennedy in the 1960 election, by the early 1970s, as president, was not about to ape and imitate the man who had bested him.
—Brian Domitrovic, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for best
Recent Examples of Synonyms for best
Noun
-
The mother of three was styled by Elizabeth Stewart, and Roberts wore Phoebe Philo attire and jewelry by Tiffany & Co.—
Nicholas Rice,
PEOPLE,
8 Sep. 2025
-
Suited styling also came into play with Jolie’s attire.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
8 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Jared Allen, an elite pass rusher in his day, spoke out and seemed to hint that McCarthy is better than Green Bay quarterback Jordan Love.—
Evan Massey,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Sep. 2025
-
Next door to the station is a small residential compound that has been patrolled by Qatar’s elite Amiri Guard 24 hours a day since the beginning of the Gaza conflict.—
Kim Hjelmgaard,
USA Today,
9 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Visit Party City's website to browse balloons, decor, costumes, and more, then choose on-demand delivery via DoorDash.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
8 Sep. 2025
-
Carpenter, who started out in what appeared to be a silver, sparkly, fringe dress before a quick costume change, delivered an energetic performance that also contained a message.—
Lisa Respers France,
CNN Money,
8 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The glamorous look is more daring than Robbie's usual red carpet choices, but stands out as a striking entry in the naked dress trend.—
Charles Trepany,
USA Today,
13 Sep. 2025
-
The choice is still ours to make.—
Cornelia C. Walther,
Forbes.com,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
In 2023-24, Jones had a career year for the Mavericks, who were defeated by the Boston Celtics in the 2024 NBA Finals.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
12 Sep. 2025
-
Some decisions are prudent, such as the Las Vegas Raiders to defeat the New England Patriots at a nice underdog price.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Lovevook Laptop Tote Bag Looking stylish for work doesn’t have to mean compromising on function.—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Sep. 2025
-
Thankfully, Amazon has plenty of stylish wrinkle-free tops that won’t get creased on the way to your destination.—
Mia Huelsbeck,
PEOPLE,
8 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
With Julian, Kusters has made an impressive, understated directorial debut about love, loss and the bravery required to keep trying to live in an unfair world.—
Jourdain Searles,
HollywoodReporter,
9 Sep. 2025
-
Interpreting fall 2025 runways’ animal print trend on a more literal level, Tyla also went with Pandora Talisman collection picks like the Swallow Medallion Charm and Lion Medallion Charm, representative of hope and bravery, respectively.—
Stacia Datskovska,
Footwear News,
8 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
One is the continued dominance of Argentina, 10 points clear at the top with one round of matches remaining.—
Jack Lang,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
-
An adjustable buckle across the top keeps them in place, and their closed-toe design helps keep feet warm as temperatures get colder.—
Melody Kazel,
PEOPLE,
8 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Best.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/best. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share