best 1 of 3

adjective

Definition of bestnext
as in Sunday

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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
The duo won Oscars for best picture, director and original screenplay. — Katie Simons, Los Angeles Times, 26 Mar. 2026 While it isn't favored to win best picture, it's been gaining momentum and could well pull off an upset. — Daniel Arkin, NBC news, 15 Mar. 2026
Noun
Mahrez is retiring from international soccer as a five-time Premier League winner and one of Africa's bests. — Juliana Kim, NPR, 6 July 2026 Just about everyone got into the act for the Royals, who blasted four home runs and set season bests for runs and hits with 22. — Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 6 July 2026
Verb
The Thunder — which Florida bested Friday — faced the Austin Gamblers, the Nashville Stampede saw the Rattlers, the Oklahoma Wildcatters battled the Carolina Cowboys and the Arizona Ridge Riders took on the Kansas City Outlaws. — Ava Dicecca, Sun Sentinel, 9 Aug. 2026 Brand New Day scored the best-ever domestic box office sums for a Monday and a Tuesday on its way to becoming the second-fastest feature to cross the billion-dollar mark globally after reaching the threshold in six days, bested only by Endgame. — Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 8 Aug. 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
  • Wear it à la Copenhagen’s stylish set with a suede jacket and heeled thong sandal.
    — Laura Jackson, Vogue, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Their distressed midcalf moto boots were at the top of every stylish girl's wish list.
    — Aemilia Madden, Glamour, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of stylish
Noun
  • Traditional Afghan attire always included the hijab, which Ayesha says helps to maintain modesty.
    — Mark Sappenfield, Christian Science Monitor, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The intricate patterns used to fill the bodies could indicate ceremonial or formal attire of some sort.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of attire
Noun
  • The numbers are vast and climbing again but during the countdown to another season, beginning on Friday night, there has been another timely marker to illustrate the rapid financial growth of the Premier League and its elite.
    — Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Political freedoms have often been severely restricted, workers have few rights and power has typically been concentrated in the hands of political elites.
    — Tom Zirpoli, Baltimore Sun, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of elite
Verb
  • Sending a message to a friend in the same city seems, at least in my opinion, to defeat the purpose.
    — Greta Cross, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Against this testing backdrop, Jakirovic guided Hull to an incredible promotion, defeating Middlesbrough 1-0 in May’s play-off final after finishing sixth in the regular campaign.
    — Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of defeat
Adjective
  • Top 5 Can’t Miss A former family mansion, the elegant Villa Igiea is one of Palermo’s most opulent stays, with a history of hosting celebrities and royals during its early years.
    — Laura Itzkowitz, Travel + Leisure, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Best Splurge At 7-feet tall, this bar cabinet is both elegant and dignified, pairing a walnut finish and forest green leather with brass hardware.
    — Bailey Berg, Architectural Digest, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of elegant
Noun
  • Throughout the day, visitors can see Birds and Exotics of the World, Pirates Dinner Adventure, Wild Garden Bellydance, MacSilver’s Irish Pirates and, finally, the costume contest on the main stage.
    — Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Just ask the guy running around Westwood in a literal bear costume earlier this week.
    — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of costume
Noun
  • Westman Atelier has achieved a lot on its own, rising to the top of the ranks in complexion and lip.
    — Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 21 Aug. 2026
  • He was only getting started, but people could already see the natural ability that the youngster believed would one day take him to the top.
    — Ben Church, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of top
Verb
  • Unlike in the Senate, where Democratic votes can be necessary to overcome the 60-vote filibuster threshold, Jeffries commands a minority caucus in a chamber where Republicans can pass most legislation with a simple majority.
    — Lauren Green, The Washington Examiner, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Lorne Balfe From overcoming dyslexia with early synths to navigating AI, remote recording, and spatial audio, the blockbuster composer reveals how technology shapes his scores.
    — Benny Har-Even, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 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 22 Aug. 2026.

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