FURTHER Synonyms: 124 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'further' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of further are advance , forward , and promote . While all these words mean "to help (someone or something) to move ahead," further suggests a removing of obstacles in the way of a desired advance. // used the marriage to further his career

Q: In what contexts can 'advance' take the place of 'further'?

The words advance and further are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, advance stresses effective assisting in hastening a process or bringing about a desired end. // advance the cause of peace

Q: When is 'forward' a more appropriate choice than 'further'?

The synonyms forward and further are sometimes interchangeable, but forward implies an impetus forcing something ahead. // a wage increase would forward productivity

Q: When might 'promote' be a better fit than 'further'?

While the synonyms promote and further are close in meaning, promote suggests an encouraging or fostering and may denote an increase in status or rank. // a campaign to promote better health

further 1 of 3

adverb

ˈfər-t͟hər

Definition of further next

as in farther

at or to a greater distance or more advanced point go further along this road and you'll see the sign for the highway

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in then

in addition to what has been said I'll say nothing further at this time

Synonyms & Similar Words

further

2 of 3

adjective

as in more

resulting in an increase in amount or number I think further research is needed before we can say whether that treatment is safe or not

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

less
fewer

further

3 of 3

verb

as in to encourage

to help the growth or development of she worked hard to further her operatic career

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb further contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of further are advance, forward, and promote. While all these words mean "to help (someone or something) to move ahead," further suggests a removing of obstacles in the way of a desired advance.

used the marriage to further his career

In what contexts can advance take the place of further?

The words advance and further are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, advance stresses effective assisting in hastening a process or bringing about a desired end.

advance the cause of peace

When is forward a more appropriate choice than further?

The synonyms forward and further are sometimes interchangeable, but forward implies an impetus forcing something ahead.

a wage increase would forward productivity

When might promote be a better fit than further?

While the synonyms promote and further are close in meaning, promote suggests an encouraging or fostering and may denote an increase in status or rank.

a campaign to promote better health

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of further

Adverb

For those who want a remote getaway with breathtaking beauty, look no further than this archipelago province of the Philippines. —

Karla Pope, Good Housekeeping, 1 Feb. 2023 For statistical confirmation, look no further than a global survey that my company did of 2,000 CEOs. —

Sanjay Brahmawar, Fortune, 1 Feb. 2023

Adjective

IndieWire has reached out to ICG 600 and a rep for Cooper for further comment. —

Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 11 Feb. 2025 The market had put faith in a sector-wide turnaround after stellar results from Cartier owner Richemont, but sustained weakness in LVMH’s fashion and leather goods and wines and spirits segments pointed to further divergence in the sector. —

Karen Gilchrist, CNBC, 11 Feb. 2025

Verb

Allowing religious groups to develop housing — on large parking lots, vacant land or in place of unused buildings — would further those groups’ community commitments while also giving them a financial boost, supporters say. —

Seth Klamann, The Denver Post, 5 Feb. 2025 State of play: This week, IF's focus is furthering a partnership forged last year with local nonprofit Flanner House to break down barriers for marginalized Hoosiers who want to pursue arts education, and to create free and low-cost theatrical experiences for residents on Indy's Northwest side. —

Justin L. MacK, Axios, 5 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for further

Recent Examples of Synonyms for further

Adverb

However, if temperatures fall farther than expected the amounts could increase, forecasters added.

— Leigh Morgan, al, 11 Feb. 2023
Tier 2 Pricing, includes lots farther away from the stadium: Car or SUV: $100.

— Sydney Carruth, The Arizona Republic, 9 Feb. 2023