ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery)Word Knowledge (WK)Easy

Which word is a synonym for <b>ameliorate</b>?

  1. AWorsen
  2. BDestroy
  3. CImprove
  4. DComplicate
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C. Improve

Ameliorate means to make something better or more tolerable, so 'improve' is the correct synonym.

Why the other options are wrong

  • A. Worsen is an antonym for ameliorate.
  • B. Destroy means to put an end to the existence of something, which is not related to ameliorate.
  • D. Complicate means to make something more difficult or intricate, not better.

Ameliorate

To make (something bad or unsatisfactory) better.

  • Often used in formal contexts.
  • Implies an improvement from a negative state.
  • Synonyms include 'enhance', 'better', 'improve'.

Memory trick: Amy's 'melior' (better) aid will ameliorate the situation.

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