to bring into a more desirable or excellent condition

He took vitamins to improve his health.

to make (land) more useful, profitable, or valuable by enclosure, cultivation, etc.

to increase the value of (real property) by betterments, as the construction of buildings and sewers.

to make good use of; turn to account

He improved the stopover by seeing a client with offices there.

to increase in value, excellence, etc.; become better

The military situation is improving.

to make improvements, as by revision, addition, or change

None of the younger violinists have been able to improve on his interpretation of that work.

verb

damage , decline , decrease , diminish , harm , hurt , injure , weaken , worsen

verb

advance , ameliorate , amend , augment , better , boost , civilize , come around * , convalesce , correct , cultivate , develop , doctor up , edit , elevate , emend , enhance , gain ground * , help , increase , lift , look up * , make strides , meliorate , mend , perk up * , pick up * , polish , progress , promote , purify , raise , rally , recover , rectify , recuperate , refine , reform , revamp , revise , rise , set right , shape up , sharpen , skyrocket * , straighten out * , take off * , touch up * , turn the corner , update , upgrade , come around , gain , perk up , benefit , edify , embellish , embroider , enrich , garnish , get better , gild , gloss , grow , make amends , optimize , reclaim , redress , refurbish , regenerate , rehabilitate , renovate , strengthen , transfigure , transform , uplift , use , utilize