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

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
Geisel’s second wife started DSE to preserve and further his legacy. Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 11 July 2026 Then came a concussion and further knee issues in 2025 that led to his subsequent release eight games. Miami Herald, 11 July 2026
Verb
Topline Apple filed a lawsuit against OpenAI and two former employees for theft of trade secrets, alleging the AI company took Apple technology to further their own hardware development. Madhulika Pathak, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026 Secretly reporting to both Petrovsky and Raskova, furthering her reputation as a skilled, relentless investigator, and living in a larger, fancier apartment with her daughter, Zoya? Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 10 July 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
  • 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
Adverb
  • Extreme rainfall events like this are becoming more common as planet-warming pollution drives temperatures higher, because warmer air holds more moisture – which storms can then wring out like a water-laden sponge in heavy, localized downpours.
    Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 15 July 2026
  • However, then-President Janet Napolitano advised the Board of Regents to phase them out anyway and explore the creation of a UC-specific exam.
    Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 15 July 2026
Adjective
  • And while Californians continue to support state law mandating 100% of the state’s electricity come from renewable energy sources by 2045, only 38% of them are willing to pay more on their electrical bills for that shift.
    Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 16 July 2026
  • In recent months, members of Congress have been debating more limited bills that would only ban trading by lawmakers, and not the president.
    Isabelle Chapman, CNN Money, 16 July 2026
Verb
  • They are accused of encouraging dissent against the regime and were convicted of broad charges of corruption, CNN’s Isobel Yeung reports.
    Sophia Saifi, CNN Money, 16 July 2026
  • The Overland Park exhibition invited Black artists from across the Kansas City area to present work that reflected their identities, encouraging each artist to define themselves on their own terms.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 15 July 2026
Adverb
  • That is the exact failure the gateway vendors position against, and also the risk that could shrink their own market.
    Janakiram MSV, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026
  • Verbeek also has lost four key defensemen — captain Radko Gudas, Jacob Trouba, John Carlson and Olen Zellweger — in the past month while adding only journeyman Nick Jensen as a probable replacement.
    Greg Beacham, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
Adjective
  • Another round of storms could bring an additional 2 to 4 inches of rain, with isolated spots getting up to 8, though forecast models suggest the heaviest rain may fall northwest of the areas hit hardest so far.
    Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 17 July 2026
  • Unfortunately, Hashesh’s team could not conduct additional analysis since the princess’ skulls were missing.
    Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 17 July 2026
Verb
  • The woman was given a warning but later promoted, according to the lawsuit.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 18 July 2026
  • The Mediterranean diet, on the other hand, is much less restrictive and actually promotes the consumption of red wine in moderation.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 17 July 2026
Adverb
  • But the switch from an anything goes summer sleep schedule to a morning routine that requires waking up at what feels like the crack of dawn to get to school on time doesn’t help matters, either.
    Parents, Parents, 17 July 2026
  • Making the four tournament days tougher was never the primary objective, either, even if those connected with the club are naturally hoping the conditions keep scores in check.
    Gregg Evans, New York Times, 17 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Further.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/further. Accessed 19 Jul. 2026.

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