further 1 of 3

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

further

2 of 3

adjective

further

3 of 3

verb

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

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

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
But their film has the feel of an improv exercise badly in need of further development. Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 15 Mar. 2026 The bills would require more data collection and training related to people working in extreme temperatures; more eviction protections; and further limitations on ICE agents in the state. Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 15 Mar. 2026
Verb
To further my humiliation, my smartphone-addled brain included the incorrect frequency and URL. Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2026 In its efforts to disrupt the project, Greenpeace, Energy Transfer alleged, distributed false and defamatory information about the project to inflame protesters and raise funds to further its goals. Mark Curriden, Dallas Morning News, 13 Mar. 2026 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
Adverb
  • Petzold had arrived arrogant and entitled; confronted by the technical ability and imagination of his peers, he was humbled, then stultified.
    Holden Seidlitz, New Yorker, 20 Mar. 2026
  • The flavor then broadens through creamy mozzarella and peppery rocket to sweet pesto.
    Dominic Green, The Washington Examiner, 20 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Advice columnist Carolyn Hax takes your comments and questions most Fridays about life, family, relationships and more.
    Carolyn Hax, Washington Post, 27 Mar. 2026
  • This Revive formula lived up to its name, adding more shine, bounce, and control after the very first use.
    Catharine Malzahn, Glamour, 18 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Rollicking Japanese City Pop era tunes from the ‘80s and ‘90s keep energy levels up; on Sundays, off-duty geiko or maiko may be sitting at a cozy banquette nearby—they’re given a discount to encourage a local patronage, too.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Mar. 2026
  • Looking ahead, the town is also encouraging residents to reduce water use long term by replacing traditional turf grass with more drought-resistant landscaping.
    Jamie Leary, CBS News, 21 Mar. 2026
Adverb
  • The country, which is the biggest island in the Caribbean, has also been hit by Category 5 storms, most recently with Hurricane Irma in 2017, which killed at least 10 people, according to the Herald’s archives.
    David Goodhue March 16, Miami Herald, 17 Mar. 2026
  • The mural, along with several posters of the same color, also appeared around the city, causing fans on social media to go into a frenzy of excitement and wonder what exactly was going on.
    Charlie Vargas, Oc Register, 17 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Those in need of medical care should call their doctor, urgent care or emergency department before arriving to help limit additional exposures.
    Katie Langford, Denver Post, 19 Mar. 2026
  • This designation introduces an additional layer of operational pressure to what is already an unusually strained deployment.
    Munis Raza, Interesting Engineering, 19 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • There are no plans dfor a flotilla promoted by Movimiento Democracia to sail from Miami for now.
    Sarah Moreno March 16, Miami Herald, 17 Mar. 2026
  • Kahana said Ach told him about Ad Kan's connection to Al-Majd, describing it as run by both Arabs and Israelis in Israel but not wanting to promote its Israeli ties.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Mar. 2026
Adverb
  • Beyond the fact the Mavericks have been in a nosedive with 20 losses in 24 games, the schedule-maker hasn’t been terribly kind to Dallas, either.
    Nate Sanchez, Dallas Morning News, 17 Mar. 2026
  • Peppa Pig doesn’t shy away from the challenges of making—and sometimes leaving—friends either.
    Hannah Silverman, Parents, 16 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Further.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/further. Accessed 23 Mar. 2026.

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