BESTED Synonyms: 91 Similar and Opposite Words

bested

verb

Definition of bested next

past tense of best

as in defeated

to achieve a victory over at last she's bested her card-playing mother at the game of hearts

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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 bested Bilal Doui tallied 13 kills, two aces and two blocks as Latin Academy bested Braintree 3-0 in a nonleague match. —

Tyler McManus, Boston Herald, 19 May 2026 His abysmal 7th place in the Wood meant that he was handily bested by Albus, who won, Right to Party, who placed, and Ocelli, who went on to show handily in the Derby, a race that trainer Brown declined for Iron Honor. —

Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 16 May 2026 Wembanyama bested his new rival. —

Marcus Thompson Ii, New York Times, 9 May 2026 On Saturday, Fitzpatrick (14-under) shot a 7-under 64— a third-round score only bested by fellow Wake Forest alum Cameron Young (8-under) — and heads into Sunday with a one-shot lead over Norwegian Kristoffer Reitan (13-under) and a two-shot advantage over Young (12-under). —

Jordan Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 9 May 2026 The two started the first two games of the series, where the Royals bested the Guardians. —

Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 7 May 2026 For craft and talent, Paul Simon is, in my opinion, the finest popular songwriter in the second half of that century and is yet to be bested in the 21st. —

Time, 6 May 2026 Nowadays, old-school residents bemoan the neighborhood’s evolution from grungy to grandiose; what was once a warren of hedonism has become a breeding ground for characterless watering holes whose lack of personality is bested only by the exorbitance of their beer prices. —

Dan Stahl, New Yorker, 1 May 2026 After 31 straight games and winning $882,605 in prize money, the New Jersey native and Princeton grad was bested by Greg Shahade on the Monday, April 27, episode. —

Gillian Telling, PEOPLE, 27 Apr. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for bested

Verb

McGregor first fought at welterweight in 2016 in a shocking loss to Diaz, then defeated Diaz later that year, again in the 170-pound division.

— Mark Puleo, New York Times, 17 May 2026
True North Classical Academy defeated SLAM (Tampa) in five sets in the 1A state final.

— Alex Kushel, Sun Sentinel, 17 May 2026