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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Recent Examples of bested
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
Sasha Miller surpassed 100 career goals, scoring six times while also dishing two assists as Beverly bested Masconomet 13-3 in Northeastern Conference girls lacrosse play.
—Tyler McManus, Boston Herald, 24 Apr. 2026
The Hawks have bested the Knicks in that aspect thus far.
—Fred Katz, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2026
Matt Fitzpatrick bested Scottie Scheffler in a playoff at the RBC Heritage over the weekend in what became a road game for him.
—Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 22 Apr. 2026
Finally, Minnesota bested Denver in March, winning in Colorado in a matinee in which the Nuggets were without Aaron Gordon and Peyton Watson.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 17 Apr. 2026
As every fan points out, these players are all stupid for letting a legend as good as Cirie get this far, but please, keep getting bested by a legend.
—Brian Moylan, Vulture, 16 Apr. 2026
In a battle that came down to the final nine seconds of overtime — in front of a record 19,698 fans — Charlotte bested the Miami Heat, 127-126, at home.
—Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 15 Apr. 2026
Pizza Mamma bested all the rest in the search for the top pizza.
—Kathleen Hill, The Providence Journal, 11 Apr. 2026
Gillian Telling, PEOPLE, 27 Apr. 2026
Sasha Miller surpassed 100 career goals, scoring six times while also dishing two assists as Beverly bested Masconomet 13-3 in Northeastern Conference girls lacrosse play.
—Tyler McManus, Boston Herald, 24 Apr. 2026
The Hawks have bested the Knicks in that aspect thus far.
—Fred Katz, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2026
Matt Fitzpatrick bested Scottie Scheffler in a playoff at the RBC Heritage over the weekend in what became a road game for him.
—Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 22 Apr. 2026
Finally, Minnesota bested Denver in March, winning in Colorado in a matinee in which the Nuggets were without Aaron Gordon and Peyton Watson.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 17 Apr. 2026
As every fan points out, these players are all stupid for letting a legend as good as Cirie get this far, but please, keep getting bested by a legend.
—Brian Moylan, Vulture, 16 Apr. 2026
In a battle that came down to the final nine seconds of overtime — in front of a record 19,698 fans — Charlotte bested the Miami Heat, 127-126, at home.
—Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 15 Apr. 2026
Pizza Mamma bested all the rest in the search for the top pizza.
—Kathleen Hill, The Providence Journal, 11 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bested
Verb
-
Atletico earned a spot in the final four courtesy of a quarter-final victory against Spanish rivals Barcelona, while Arsenal defeated Portuguese side Sporting CP.—
The Athletic Live Team,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Huarte defeated Woodbridge senior Brady Tallakson 7-6 (3), 6-1 in the CIF boys final at Libbey Park to capture the title one year after falling in the championship match.—
Dan Albano,
Oc Register,
26 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
That is precisely the trick Audi has mastered.—
Chris Jackson,
Denver Post,
24 Apr. 2026
-
The pair have mastered the couples' pic while on their travels together.—
Diane J. Cho,
PEOPLE,
22 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The Trojans overcame a 9-8 third-quarter deficit to gain a repeat visit to the final.—
Glae Thien,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
27 Apr. 2026
-
The Michael Jackson movie overcame poor reviews and production problems to achieve a record-breaking opening weekend at the box office.—
Brendan Morrow,
USA Today,
26 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Freshman midfielder Quinn Fahey scored the lone goal for the Eagles (6-5-2, 3-2), who beat Andrew for the first time since 2021.—
Steve Millar,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Apr. 2026
-
Led by starter Martín Pérez, the Braves started off another series with a victory by beating the Tigers 5-2 at Truist Park on Tuesday.—
Chad Bishop,
AJC.com,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Chaminade took an 11-10 lead in the top of the ninth on an RBI single by Siena Greenlinger.—
Eric Sondheimer,
Los Angeles Times,
1 May 2026
-
Meanwhile, on Wednesday evening, Carr posted a riposte to a commenter on X who took aim at the FCC chief.—
Todd Spangler,
Variety,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
With over 40 years of experience and a heritage rooted in the prestigious Valmont Clinic on the Swiss Riviera, the brand has conquered the world of skincare, combining advanced science, the purest natural ingredients from the Alps, and an unmistakable artistic sensibility.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Apr. 2026
-
Admittedly, the company conquered the market in large part by achieving a dramatic reduction in launch costs.—
Ben Tarnoff,
Big Think,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Luke Kornet got the Game 3 start against the Trail Blazers in Wembanyama’s absence, finishing with 14 points and 10 rebounds.—
Anne M. Peterson,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Apr. 2026
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Onyemata was one of the free-agent signings the Jets got the most praise for — a rock-solid veteran defensive tackle who can help in both the run and pass game.—
Zack Rosenblatt,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Trump was dispatched there briefly after the incident Saturday night.—
Collin Binkley,
Chicago Tribune,
26 Apr. 2026
-
Two workers were dispatched to tell Nataliia.—
Lizzie Johnson,
New Yorker,
25 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Bested.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bested. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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