further

verb

furthered; furthering ˈfər-t͟hə-riŋ 

ˈfərt͟h-riŋ

transitive verb

: to help forward : promote

furtherer

ˈfər-t͟hər-ər 

noun

Synonyms of further

• encourage
• promote
• cultivate
• forward
• foster
• nurture
• advance

Choose the Right Synonym for further

advance, promote, forward, further mean to help (someone or something) to move ahead.

advance stresses effective assisting in hastening a process or bringing about a desired end.

advance the cause of peace

promote suggests an encouraging or fostering and may denote an increase in status or rank.

a campaign to promote better health

forward implies an impetus forcing something ahead.

a wage increase would forward productivity

further suggests a removing of obstacles in the way of a desired advance.

used the marriage to further his career

Examples of further in a Sentence

Their efforts greatly furthered the state of research.

The funds are to be used to further the public good.

Recent Examples on the Web

Flores seeks evidence to further his claim that the league and several teams intentionally discriminated against him, and the coach has insisted his legal team gain access to personal devices of league and team employees for discovery purposes. —Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 4 June 2026

The transformative experience of a stay at Miraval is furthered by practices like meditation, breath work, mindful movement, nature immersion, and equine therapy, which are also designed to heighten attention and build mindfulness. —Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 3 June 2026

Although Gero’s series will not proceed, Amazon is still exploring new ways to further the franchise. —Joe Otterson, Variety, 2 June 2026

Only after the Supreme Court ruled against a church member with two wives in 1879, and Congress passed legislation to further enforce anti-polygamy laws, did the church publicly forfeit the practice in 1890. —Benjamin Park, The Conversation, 1 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing further

• further education
• further to
• go no further
• nothing could be further from someone's mind
• nothing could be further from the truth
• nothing (further) to do with
• until further notice
• upon further review of
• without further ado

Video

Further vs. Farther

They started as same word, but their meanings have drifted apart over time.

Kids Definition

further

1 of 3 adverb

fur·​ther ˈfər-t͟hər 

1

: farther entry 1 sense 1

2

: in addition : besides, also

3

: to a greater degree or extent

further

2 of 3 verb

furthered; furthering ˈfərt͟h-(ə-)riŋ 

: to help forward : promote

furtherer

ˈfər-t͟hər-ər 

noun

further

3 of 3 adjective

1

: farther entry 2 sense 1

2

: going or extending beyond : additional

further study is needed