best
adjective
of the highest quality, excellence, or standing.
bested
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past participleof best.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
-
past tense formof best.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
bestadjectiveof the highest quality, excellence, or standing.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
They notoriously bested Kendrick Lamar at the 2014 Grammy Awards in the rap album category.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 16, 2026
From 1950 to 1955, the Martin-and-Lewis-hosted “Colgate Comedy Hour” frequently bested Sullivan in the ratings.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 25, 2026
Its third-quarter guidance for both profit and sales, at the midpoint, also bested forecasts.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 23, 2026
The auto giant reported revenue for its latest quarter that bested Wall Street’s expectations, and raised its full-year adjusted profit outlook.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 21, 2026
Overjoyed at having bested the disdainful Urey, “he jumped out of bed, heedless of his cold, danced around the room, and gleefully congratulated us,” Kamen recalled.
From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik
