improve upon
Enhance what exists
To improve upon something is to make it better than a previous version or standard: The sequel improved upon the original in every way.
The phrase implies comparison—you're not just improving something in isolation, but surpassing what came before.
Scientists are working to improve upon existing treatments.
Often interchangeable with improve on.
- surpassExceed in achievement
- enhanceIncrease in quality
- advanceMove or progress forward
- outdoExceed in achievement
- refineRemove impurities from
elevate · raise the bar · adjust · outstrip · up the ante · rectify · eclipse · fine-tune · outperform · polish · hone · iron out · smooth over · ameliorate · leapfrog · build on · better · go one better
improve uponleave alone
Refrain from disturbing
preserve · maintain · leave well enough alone · settle for · retain
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