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
Atwell, the 26-year-old five-year veteran, has modest career bests of 67 receptions (2023), 562 yards (2024), and three touchdowns (2023). — Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 10 July 2026 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
Verb
The potentially final chapter of LIV's story being closed out with La Sasso besting the two biggest LIV stars was certainly a scene. — Mark Harris Outkick, FOXNews.com, 24 Aug. 2026 The British-Argentine actor’s point has less to do with her conflicted con artist cheating death numerous times and besting her mobster in-laws, as well as the FBI. — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 20 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
  • This poplin maxi skirt is stylish, and its A-line cut can create a flattering silhouette on all body types.
    — Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 30 Aug. 2026
  • In the morning, stylish couples from Tokyo were arriving for a ski weekend in late May.
    — Everett Potter, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of stylish
Noun
  • All the guests at Bozoma Saint-John Watson's wedding to Keely Watson were asked to wear authentic Kente cloth attire.
    — Rebecca Suhrawardi, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • The image of him, his attire a blasphemous betrayal of the wholesome fun a clown costume promises, and with vibrant, colorful balloons in his hand, lingers in our minds for a long time.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of attire
Noun
  • Aesthetic experiences were here not reserved for museums or the elite, but folded in along with daily drudgeries.
    — Emily Watlington, ARTnews.com, 24 Aug. 2026
  • As the girls ache for a way into the glittering world of the waterfront elite, a secret phone romance with a boy from the local boat club finally makes that dream feel possible.
    — Matt Donnelly, Variety, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of elite
Verb
  • Taylor pitched a career-high 2 2/3 scoreless relief innings and was credited with the win as the Sox defeated the Twins 7-4 in front of 28,140.
    — LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026
  • The Senate Leadership Fund, a political committee controlled by Senate Majority Leader John Thune, has committed to spending $44 million in Georgia in hopes of defeating Ossoff.
    — Tia Mitchell, AJC.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of defeat
Adjective
  • Yeah, just continue and figure out elegant ways to catch up with everyone, like catch up with what’s been happening in the last year.
    — Hilary Lewis, HollywoodReporter, 25 Aug. 2026
  • The couple recently tied the knot in an elegant ceremony in Sicily at the historic Villa Valguarnera near Palermo on June 6, after officially marrying in London’s Marylebone Town Hall in advance.
    — Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of elegant
Noun
  • Katy Rudd is set to direct with set and costume designs by Tony-winning Rob Howell (Matilda the Musical) and choreography from Ellen Kane.
    — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 27 Aug. 2026
  • One of those people is costume designer Debra McGuire, who recently shared the intimate details of her brief collaboration with Parton in the 1990s.
    — Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of costume
Noun
  • Anna and Jude end up in the top, and Jude scores his third win.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Pinning down Pinhead One film has been at the top of the wish list of Horror Nights honchos for more than 10 years, Sauls said.
    — Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of top
Verb
  • The Tar Heels’ ability to overcome some sloppiness — and, yes, take advantage of a slew of TCU mistakes — was a positive intangible sign after Belichick’s brutal debut season and offseason.
    — Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 30 Aug. 2026
  • But to overcome 30 years of Republican dominance, Talarico needs votes from everywhere.
    — Eleanor Dearman Updated August 29, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of overcome

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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 1 Sep. 2026.

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