1. (v. t.) To change or modify in any way for the better

2. (v. t.) by simply removing what is erroneous, corrupt, superfluous, faulty, and the like;

3. (v. t.) by supplying deficiencies;

4. (v. t.) by substituting something else in the place of what is removed; to rectify.

5. (v. i.) To grow better by rectifying something wrong in manners or morals; to improve.

acculturate advance ameliorate better blue-pencil boost bring forward civilize come along come on compensate correct develop edify edit educate elevate emend emendate enhance enlighten enrich fatten favor fix forward foster gain gain ground get ahead get along give satisfaction go ahead go forward go straight graduate grow better improve improve upon lard lift look up make all square make an improvement make good make headway make progress make right make strides meliorate mend new-model nurture pay reparations perk up pick up progress promote put right put straight put to rights raise re-form recense reclaim recompense rectify redact redeem redraft redress refashion refine upon reform regenerate remedy remodel remunerate renew repair requite reshape restore self-respect revamp revise rework rewrite right set right set straight set to rights set up shape up show improvement skyrocket socialize straighten out take off transfigure transform upgrade uplift work over