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
Defending champion Rio Takeda of Japan (73) was a further shot back in a four-way tie for fifth with Hye-Jin Choi (72), Yu Liu of China (74) and A Lim Kim (73). ABC News, 8 Mar. 2026 Musselman wouldn’t offer any further comment on that decision. Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2026
Verb
That case was furthered by Wednesday’s rout of the Celtics, who rank second in the Eastern Conference standings. James Jackson, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2026 To date, there seems to be no price Democrats are unwilling to pay to further their selfish partisan ambitions, the American and Iranian people be damned. Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 5 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
  • Foster, who produced Chicago, Celine Dion and Natalie Cole, put Walden on the path to a few Grammy wins and eventually — by way of then Oscars music director Bill Ross — back into the film industry.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2026
  • Ryan will throw a bullpen session Saturday, then depart Twins camp to join Team USA.
    Johnny Flores Jr, New York Times, 13 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
  • On Tuesday, the Cowboys agreed to terms with another defensive tackle, Otito Ogbonnia, adding even more uncertainty to Odighizuwa’s future.
    Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Those who noticed the earthquake are encouraged to report it through the USGS Felt Report form.
    CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 7 Mar. 2026
  • One particular point of scrutiny was a $220 million ad campaign featuring Noem that encouraged people in the country illegally to leave voluntarily.
    DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE STAFF FROM WIRE REPORTS, Arkansas Online, 6 Mar. 2026
Adverb
  • Her time at The Post also includes five years in the Travel section.
    Becky Krystal, Washington Post, 12 Mar. 2026
  • The Situationist team also presented the brand’s trajectory to several modeling agencies in the hopes of booking strong models on a budget.
    Lucy Maguire, Vogue, 10 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Emails seeking additional information were not immediately answered.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 12 Mar. 2026
  • The Cowboys now have additional draft capital to potentially bring in another defensive tackle to rotate in with starters Williams and Clark, but adding another hole in the depth of a defense already looking to stop water from getting in the boat could end up being a risky move.
    Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Peterson was promoted to sergeant in 2004 and appointed chief in 2011.
    Mary Divine, Twin Cities, 9 Mar. 2026
  • Colleagues came to know her as steady and disciplined, someone others could depend on, and in 1996 she was promoted to assistant city manager.
    Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 9 Mar. 2026
Adverb
  • The couple might not be done having kids, either.
    Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 9 Mar. 2026
  • Audiences didn’t respond to it either, saddling it with a C+ CinemaScore, though the Audience Popcornmeter at Rotten Tomatoes was a bit more generous than the critics, a 73 percent versus the Tomatometer score of 59 percent.
    Brian Welk, IndieWire, 9 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Further.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/further. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on further

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster