further 1 of 3

adverb

ˈfər-t͟hər How to pronounce further (audio)
Definition of furthernext
1
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
2
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

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 statistical confirmation, look no further than a global survey that my company did of 2,000 CEOs. — Sanjay Brahmawar, Fortune, 1 Feb. 2023 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
Adjective
The lake had been overflowing into the Lhende Khola River, risking further flooding, but that risk had gone down by Saturday, according to Chinese officials. — Robert McGreevy, FOXNews.com, 29 Aug. 2026 As families wait for news about their relatives, damaged roads, power outages and fears of further flooding have hampered rescue efforts. — Freddie Clayton, NBC news, 29 Aug. 2026
Verb
Quarterback Kyler Murray’s floor should far exceed the play from 2025, and his dual-threat ability could further unlock advantages. — The Athletic Nfl Staff, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026 However, her return was furthered delayed due to complications of Graves’ disease. — Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 24 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for further
Recent Examples of Synonyms for further
  1. farther
  2. then
  3. more
  4. encourage
  5. also
  6. additional
  7. promote
  8. either
Adverb
  • However, if temperatures fall farther than expected the amounts could increase, forecasters added.
    — Leigh Morgan, al, 11 Feb. 2023
  • The air and pressure distortions can be a bane to airplane pilots, who sometimes feel their planes gliding along farther than intended during landing.
    — Kevin Koenig, Robb Report, 8 Feb. 2023
Definition of farther
Adverb
  • The table then stows away, and the bench cushions rearrange to create a side-facing love seat positioned perfectly for viewing the drop-down projection screen just above the entryway.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 Sep. 2026
  • For your 9-to-5, try them with a button-up shirt and trousers, then pair them with a midi dress and cardigan or a cashmere crewneck, jeans, and trench coat on weekends for a welcome dose of juxtaposition.
    — Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of then
Adjective
  • Shop more outlet deals below, including an elegant candleholder, a luxe ottoman, and slim patio sofa.
    — Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Giannetos is the artist behind Amal’s covetable hair, who crafted more boho brunette shades of caramel-brown and deft, light layers for the lawyer and humanitarian this summer.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of more
Verb
  • By taking stem cells from a host’s own body and encouraging them to differentiate before mixing them with a commercially available, soluble matrix gel, researchers may have cracked the most critical problems in the transplant process.
    — Mike McRae September 02, New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The bark can also be stripped from the branch, called girdling, which encourages faster root growth.
    — Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of encourage
Adverb
  • Crump also made a Facebook post about the Blytheville incident on Saturday, which had been shared more than 4,000 times as of Sunday afternoon.
    — Daniel McFadin, Arkansas Online, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Her conversation with John also divulges the depths of his entwinement with current ring-bearer Hal Jordan, via a flashback to when John was a baby, in the all-important year of 1986.
    — Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of also
Adjective
  • The jury did convict Rosado of driving under the influence and he was sentenced to five years in prison, but Rosado has been behind bars on a $2 million bail since 2021 so won't have to serve any additional time.
    — Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2026
  • According to The New York Times, she was sentenced to life in prison, with two additional 30-year sentences to run consecutively with her life term.
    — Jordana Comiter, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of additional
Verb
  • When applied to the scalp, certain peptides can send signals that promote follicle function, extend the growth phase of the hair cycle, and strengthen the tissue surrounding the follicle.
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Trump has also promoted the destruction of Iran's nuclear facilities and navy, and the reduction in missile and drone capabilities, as measures of success.
    — Bart Jansen, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of promote
Adverb
  • Since a quantum sensor does not need to receive or send a signal to an external device, it cannot be hacked or be spoofed by a fake incoming signal either.
    — Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The Steinway Society is a group focused on spreading the gift of music by providing piano lessons — and pianos themselves — to kids who might not otherwise be able to afford either.
    — Scott Maxwell, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of either

Browse Nearby Words

furs
further
furtherance
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Further.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/further. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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