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
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
Benjamin Svetkey, HollywoodReporter, 1 Oct. 2025
The film picked up a total of five awards at the ceremony, including best picture, best director, original screenplay and editing.
—Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 26 Mar. 2025
Braidon Nourse, Denver Post, 17 Jan. 2026
Tuesday afternoon, on the first day of men’s trade show Pitti Uomo, around 180 menswear aficionados, influencers and industry insiders paraded through the streets of Florence in their Sunday best.
—Lucy Maguire, Vogue, 14 Jan. 2026
Literary Hub, 9 Feb. 2026
His teammates rallied behind him — including Sakamoto, men’s short program winner Yuma Kagiyama (who bested Malinin with a truly exceptional showing) and pairs favorites Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara — commending the rock solid performance.
—Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 8 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for best
Adjective
Diablo Cody’s teen pregnancy comedy went from quirk to cultural phenomenon, Chris Terrio’s CIA thriller won best picture, and Graham Moore’s Enigma thriller grossed $230 million.
—Benjamin Svetkey, HollywoodReporter, 1 Oct. 2025
The film picked up a total of five awards at the ceremony, including best picture, best director, original screenplay and editing.
—Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 26 Mar. 2025
Noun
His Colorado tenure yielded 10 goals and six assists across three seasons, including career bests of five goals and three assists in 2025.
—Braidon Nourse, Denver Post, 17 Jan. 2026
Tuesday afternoon, on the first day of men’s trade show Pitti Uomo, around 180 menswear aficionados, influencers and industry insiders paraded through the streets of Florence in their Sunday best.
—Lucy Maguire, Vogue, 14 Jan. 2026
Verb
McBath bested Bourdeaux in the primary and easily won the general election that November.
—Literary Hub, 9 Feb. 2026
His teammates rallied behind him — including Sakamoto, men’s short program winner Yuma Kagiyama (who bested Malinin with a truly exceptional showing) and pairs favorites Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara — commending the rock solid performance.
—Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 8 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for best
Recent Examples of Synonyms for best
Noun
-
Among the accessories Queen Camilla added to her attire, the queen consort added a black statement hat with a deep green feather.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
10 Feb. 2026
-
The festival gave guests 21 and older — who were encouraged to wear winter attire in blues and whites — an opportunity to visit a tarot card reader, play nostalgic carnival games, sip craft beer, snack on gourmet bites, browse a build-your-own flower bar and participate in a live auction.—
Point Loma-Ob Monthly,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
10 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
And there are others who've been able to do that as part of smaller communities, not necessarily part of the elite.—
Phaedra Trethan,
USA Today,
13 Feb. 2026
-
Recent research suggests a significant shift in how voters perceive the parties; more people now believe that Republicans best represent the interests of the poor and working class, while Democrats are coming to be viewed as the party of rich elites.—
Mark Leibovich,
The Atlantic,
11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The colorful, detailed drawings span the full cover, quite different from Elizabeth’s minimalistic but stylish approach.—
Jess deCourcy Hinds
February 13,
Literary Hub,
13 Feb. 2026
-
However, the English Garden has a remarkably roomy and stylish interior that feels more like an apartment than a traditional tiny house.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
13 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
For, as of early summer 2026, the British Pullman welcomes Celia; an extraordinary new private dining and events carriage imagined and designed by visionary filmmaker Baz Luhrmann and Oscar-winning costume and production designer, Catherine Martin.—
Connor Sturges,
Condé Nast Traveler,
10 Feb. 2026
-
The acclaimed Australian filmmaker has teamed up with Oscar-winning costume and production designer Catherine Martin to create a dazzling new private dining and events carriage for the British Pullman.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
10 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Olympians – athletes at the top of their sport and in prime health – are idolized and often viewed as superhuman.—
Emily Hemendinger,
The Conversation,
13 Feb. 2026
-
Following the rally, Larson and Jeffries left for a fundraising dinner at The Foundry restaurant at the top of the Hartford Steam Boiler building, a frequent location for fundraisers when then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi came to town.—
Christopher Keating,
Hartford Courant,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The Magic rallied from 17 points down to win 120-117, but the Jazz defeated the Heat 115-111.—
Mark Anderson,
Chicago Tribune,
13 Feb. 2026
-
The Cyclones, who are 13-0 at Hilton Coliseum this season, have defeated the Jayhawks three straight years in the building.—
Gary Bedore,
Kansas City Star,
13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The sheen of the leather, the oversized round buckle—these flat sandals are inherently elegant and modern without trying to be so.—
Alex Sales,
Glamour,
14 Feb. 2026
-
The Cellini was no doubt an elegant dress watch, though, as Coogler makes clear.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
14 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
But nothing compared to Vietnam when showcasing Black bravery, strength, and even political expression in the war zones of Southeast Asia.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
6 Feb. 2026
-
In the sub-zero temperatures of winter, everyday Minnesotans have showed the nation their bravery, empathy and decency in the face of rogue agents masquerading as law enforcement officers.—
The Editorial Board,
Oc Register,
5 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Best.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/best. Accessed 17 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
