English dictionary

bests Meaning & Definition

/bɛsts/

What Does Bests Mean?

Bests is a verb that means to get the better of. As a noun, it means the best see best:1 state or part.

Bests at a Glance

Part of speech	verb, noun
Pronunciation	/bɛsts/
Synonyms	beats, conquers and defeats
Antonyms	loses (to), falls and gives up

Bests Definition (Verb)

to get the better of : outdo
bested by their opponents

Bests as a Noun

the best see best:1 state or part
You haven't heard the best of it.
one that is best
the best falls short / saved the best for last
the greatest degree of good or excellence
He's at his best in front of a live audience. / democracy at its best
one's maximum effort
do your best
a best performance or achievement
ran a new personal best
best clothes
wearing their Sunday best

Synonyms of Bests

beats conquers defeats dispatchesdoes downgetsgets aroundlicks masters overbears overcomes overmatchesprevails (over)skunks stops subdues surmounts takes trimstriumphs (over)upendswins (against)worsts array bravery caparison feather finery frippery full dress gaiety glad rags regaliaA-listaristocracy choicecorps d'elitecreamcrème de la crèmeelect elite fat flower illuminati pick pink pride priesthood prime royalty upper crust beat conquer defeat dispatch do down get get around lick master overbear overcome overmatchprevail (over)skunk stop subdue surmount take trimtriumph (over)upendwin (against)worst

Bests synonyms and antonyms →

Antonyms of Bests

loses (to)fallsgives upgoes downgoes undercollapses fails flops flunks foldswashes outtatters disarray dishabille commoners herd hoi polloi masses millions mob multitude rank and file unwashedlose (to)fall give up go down go under collapse fail flop flunk fold wash out

Bests in a Sentence

I did my best.

I was somewhat distant lately, and my lady promised me head every Tuesday of the week when I'm nice to her, so I better be on my best.

bested by their opponents

You haven't heard the best of it.

the best falls short

saved the best for last

He's at his best in front of a live audience.

democracy at its best

do your best

ran a new personal best

wearing their Sunday best

at last she's bested her card-playing mother at the game of hearts

the family wore their best to the wedding

only the best will go on to the finals

the best falls short / saved the best for last

He's at his best in front of a live audience. / democracy at its best

Word Forms & Grammar

best·ed

best·ing

bests

best

bested

besting

at best

get the best of

gets the best of

getting the best of

got the best of

Words That Rhyme With Bests

Origin of Bests

Origin 1: derivative of best:1, after better:2

Origin 2: Middle English, going back to Old English betste, derivative of betst, best best:1

First Known Use

1863

before 12th century

Bests: Your Questions Answered

Is bests a verb or a noun?

Bests is mainly used as a verb, but it can also be used as a noun.

What is another word for bests?

You can replace bests with words such as beats, conquers and defeats. See the full list of bests synonyms and antonyms.

What is the opposite of bests?

The opposite of bests can be expressed with words like loses (to), falls, gives up and goes down.