“More” is a small function word doing several distinct jobs at once it can quantify (“more water”), compare (“more difficult”), or intensify a verb (“I like this more”). Because these roles call for different replacements, this guide separates them clearly, offering 55 accurate alternatives grouped by function rather than treating “more” as a single, simple word.
Important: because “more” is a function word with several distinct grammatical roles, this list won’t reach “70 exact synonyms” for a single meaning instead it offers 55 accurate alternatives across its main functions, each labeled by how it’s actually used.
Best Alternatives for More at a Glance
| Word/Phrase | Best Used For | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Additional | Formal quantifying of extra amounts or items | Quantifier |
| Further | Formal comparative degree, often with abstract nouns | Quantifier/Degree |
| Extra | Casual quantifying of something added on | Quantifier |
| Additionally | Adding a further point in formal writing | Adverb (addition) |
| To a greater extent | Formal way to express increased degree | Degree marker |
What Does More Mean?
1. Quantifying a greater amount or number: Example: “We need more chairs for the meeting.”
2. Forming the comparative degree of adjectives and adverbs: Example: “This route is more scenic.”
3. Modifying a verb to indicate increased degree: Example: “I appreciate this more than you know.”
4. Indicating addition or continuation: Example: “There is more to say on this topic.”
Origin and Etymology of More
“More” comes from the Old English mara, meaning “greater” or “larger,” which traces back to a Proto-Germanic root also seen in Old Norse meiri. Originally a comparative adjective meaning “greater in size,” it gradually extended into its modern roles as both a quantifier for count and mass nouns and a grammatical marker for the comparative degree of longer adjectives and adverbs (“more beautiful” rather than “beautifuller”). This dual role — quantity word and grammatical comparative marker — is unusual and developed as English lost many of its inflectional comparative endings over time.
Connotation and Tone of More
“More” is neutral and works equally well in formal and informal contexts, which is part of why it’s so versatile. Formal writing sometimes prefers “additional” or “further” for the quantifying sense, since these sound more precise and less conversational, while “more” itself remains the default, unmarked choice in both speech and writing.
Alternatives for More by Function
Quantifying a Greater Amount or Number
Additional, Extra, Further, Added, Supplementary — these describe a greater quantity of something countable or measurable.
Forming a Comparative Degree
To a greater degree, To a greater extent, Increasingly — these express the comparative sense used before adjectives and adverbs.
Indicating Addition or Continuation
Furthermore, Moreover, In addition, Additionally, Besides — these introduce an additional point or piece of information.
Intensifying a Verb or Preference
To a greater extent, All the more, Even more so — these amplify how much an action or preference applies.
Formal Quantifiers for Written Contexts
Supplementary, Ancillary, Incremental — these suit technical or formal writing when describing added amounts.
55 Synonyms and Alternatives for More
1. Additional
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Existing beyond what is already present; extra
Best Used For: Formal writing, business and legal contexts
Example: “The project requires additional funding to move forward.”
Nuance: More formal and precise than “more”
Synonym Strength: Close (quantifier sense)
2. Extra
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: More than what is usual, expected, or needed
Best Used For: Casual and everyday writing
Example: “Can I get an extra napkin, please?”
Nuance: Slightly more casual and concrete than “more”
Synonym Strength: Close (quantifier sense)
3. Further
Part of Speech: Adjective/Adverb
Meaning: To a greater extent or degree; additional
Best Used For: Formal writing, abstract or non-physical quantities
Example: “The report requires further review before approval.”
Nuance: Used mainly for abstract or figurative quantities, not physical distance
Synonym Strength: Close (quantifier sense)
4. Added
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Put in beyond what already existed
Best Used For: Describing a supplementary quality or benefit
Example: “The warranty offers added peace of mind.”
Nuance: Often modifies abstract nouns like “value” or “benefit”
Synonym Strength: Contextual (quantifier sense)
5. Supplementary
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Added to complete or enhance something
Best Used For: Formal, technical, or academic writing
Example: “Students received supplementary materials for the course.”
Nuance: Formal, implies the addition completes a set
Synonym Strength: Contextual (quantifier sense)
6. Increased
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Made or become greater in amount or degree
Best Used For: Describing a rise in quantity over time
Example: “The company reported increased sales this quarter.”
Nuance: Implies change over time, not just a static comparison
Synonym Strength: Contextual (quantifier sense)
7. Greater
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Larger in size, amount, or degree
Best Used For: Formal comparisons of size or degree
Example: “The new model offers greater fuel efficiency.”
Nuance: Slightly more formal and emphatic than “more”
Synonym Strength: Close (quantifier sense)
8. Ample
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: More than enough; abundant
Best Used For: Emphasizing sufficiency or abundance
Example: “There was ample time to finish the exam.”
Nuance: Implies sufficiency rather than a simple increase
Synonym Strength: Contextual (quantifier sense)
9. Supplemental
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Added as a supplement; extra
Best Used For: Formal, especially insurance, medical, or academic contexts
Example: “She takes a supplemental vitamin each morning.”
Nuance: American English variant of “supplementary”
Synonym Strength: Contextual (quantifier sense)
10. Extended
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Made longer or greater in scope or duration
Best Used For: Describing time, warranties, or scope increases
Example: “The store offers an extended return period during the holidays.”
Nuance: Implies a lengthening, especially of time or scope
Synonym Strength: Contextual (quantifier sense)
11. To a greater extent
Part of Speech: Adverbial phrase
Meaning: To a higher degree
Best Used For: Formal comparisons of degree
Example: “The new policy affects small businesses to a greater extent.”
Nuance: More formal and explicit than “more”
Synonym Strength: Close (degree sense)
12. To a greater degree
Part of Speech: Adverbial phrase
Meaning: More intensely or thoroughly
Best Used For: Formal or academic comparisons
Example: “The second treatment reduced symptoms to a greater degree.”
Nuance: Similar to “to a greater extent” but slightly more measured in tone
Synonym Strength: Close (degree sense)
13. Increasingly
Part of Speech: Adverb
Meaning: More and more as time goes on
Best Used For: Describing a gradual, ongoing rise
Example: “Remote work is becoming increasingly common.”
Nuance: Implies a trend over time, not a single comparison
Synonym Strength: Contextual (degree sense)
14. All the more
Part of Speech: Adverbial phrase
Meaning: Even more, especially given a stated reason
Best Used For: Emphasizing an increased degree tied to a cause
Example: “Her apology made me trust her all the more.”
Nuance: Ties the increase to a specific preceding reason
Synonym Strength: Contextual (degree sense)
15. Even more so
Part of Speech: Adverbial phrase
Meaning: To a still greater extent than already stated
Best Used For: Building on a previous comparison
Example: “The first draft was rushed; the second was even more so.”
Nuance: Requires a prior comparison to reference
Synonym Strength: Contextual (degree sense)
16. Furthermore
Part of Speech: Conjunctive adverb
Meaning: In addition; besides
Best Used For: Formal writing, adding a supporting point
Example: “The plan is cost-effective; furthermore, it reduces waste.”
Nuance: Formal, used to build an argument
Synonym Strength: Contextual (addition sense)
17. Moreover
Part of Speech: Conjunctive adverb
Meaning: Besides; in addition to what has been said
Best Used For: Formal writing, academic essays
Example: “The results were significant; moreover, they were consistent across trials.”
Nuance: Slightly more formal and literary than “furthermore”
Synonym Strength: Contextual (addition sense)
18. In addition
Part of Speech: Transitional phrase
Meaning: As well as what was already mentioned
Best Used For: Formal or semi-formal writing
Example: “In addition to the salary, the role offers full benefits.”
Nuance: Clear and neutral, works in most registers
Synonym Strength: Contextual (addition sense)
19. Additionally
Part of Speech: Adverb
Meaning: As an additional matter; also
Best Used For: Formal writing, introducing a further point
Example: “Additionally, the team will need a new budget approval.”
Nuance: Formal, common in reports and structured writing
Synonym Strength: Contextual (addition sense)
20. Besides
Part of Speech: Adverb/Preposition
Meaning: In addition to; apart from
Best Used For: Casual and semi-formal writing
Example: “Besides the cost, there’s also the time it would take.”
Nuance: Slightly more casual than “furthermore” or “moreover”
Synonym Strength: Contextual (addition sense)
21-55. More Alternatives for More
| Word/Phrase | Meaning/Nuance | Function |
|---|---|---|
| 21. Plus | Casual way to add on an extra amount or point | Addition |
| 22. On top of that | Casual phrase for an additional point or amount | Addition |
| 23. Not to mention | Introduces an additional, often striking, point | Addition |
| 24. What’s more | Casual transitional phrase adding a further point | Addition |
| 25. Also | Simple, neutral way to add information | Addition |
| 26. Ancillary | Formal, technical term for supplementary items | Quantifier |
| 27. Incremental | Describes small additional increases over time | Quantifier |
| 28. Bonus | Casual term for an extra, often pleasant, addition | Quantifier |
| 29. Spare | Extra and kept in reserve | Quantifier |
| 30. Reinforcements (figurative) | Informal, figurative term for added support or resources | Quantifier |
| 31. Heightened | Formal term for an increased degree or intensity | Degree |
| 32. Elevated | Formal term for a raised amount or level | Degree |
| 33. Amplified | Describes something increased in strength or effect | Degree |
| 34. Intensified | Describes an increase in strength or degree | Degree |
| 35. Magnified | Figurative term for something made to seem or feel greater | Degree |
| 36. Expanded | Describes something made larger in scope | Quantifier |
| 37. Enlarged | Describes something made physically or figuratively bigger | Quantifier |
| 38. Broadened | Describes scope made wider or more inclusive | Quantifier |
| 39. Boosted | Casual term for an increased amount or level | Degree |
| 40. Stepped up | Informal phrase for an increased level of effort or amount | Degree |
| 41. Numerous | Describes a large but unspecified quantity | Quantifier |
| 42. Countless | Emphatic term for a very large, uncountable quantity | Quantifier |
| 43. Abundant | Describes a plentiful quantity | Quantifier |
| 44. Copious | Formal term for a large, generous quantity | Quantifier |
| 45. Plentiful | Describes an ample, sufficient quantity | Quantifier |
| 46. A greater number of | Formal quantifying phrase for countable items | Quantifier |
| 47. A greater amount of | Formal quantifying phrase for uncountable amounts | Quantifier |
| 48. Larger quantities of | Formal phrase emphasizing bulk or scale | Quantifier |
| 49. Beyond that | Casual phrase introducing something additional | Addition |
| 50. As well | Casual way to add a point at the end of a sentence | Addition |
| 51. Too | Very casual way to add a point, often at sentence end | Addition |
| 52. Higher | Describes an increased level, especially numerically | Degree |
| 53. Superior (in quantity) | Formal term implying a greater or better amount | Degree |
| 54. Redoubled | Describes an effort or amount doubled in intensity | Degree |
| 55. Multiplied | Describes an amount increased many times over | Quantifier |
Closest, Contextual, and Related Alternatives
| Category | Examples | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Closest (quantifier) | Additional, Extra, Further | Can replace “more” directly when describing amount |
| Closest (degree) | To a greater extent, Increasingly | Can replace “more” directly before a comparative |
| Related (addition) | Furthermore, Moreover, Additionally | Replace “more” only in its sense of adding a new point |
Formal and Informal Alternatives
| Formal | Informal |
|---|---|
| Additional | Extra |
| Furthermore | Plus |
| To a greater extent | Even more |
| Supplementary | Bonus |
More vs Similar Words
More vs Additional
Both add quantity, but “additional” is more formal and often used in official or written contexts, while “more” is neutral and works everywhere.
More vs Further
“Further” is generally reserved for abstract or figurative quantities (“further discussion”), while “more” works for both physical and abstract amounts (“more discussion” or “more chairs”).
More vs Extra
“Extra” implies something added beyond the norm or expectation, while “more” is a simple, neutral comparative that doesn’t carry that implication.
More vs Most
“More” is the comparative form used to compare two things, while “most” is the superlative form used when comparing three or more things or expressing the highest degree.
Words Related to More That Are Not Exact Synonyms
- Most — the superlative form, used for comparing more than two things, not a direct synonym
- Enough — indicates sufficiency, the opposite concept of needing something added
- Some — indicates an unspecified but not necessarily increased quantity
- All — indicates totality, not an increase relative to a baseline
- Many — indicates a large number on its own, without a comparative sense
Words Related to More
Quantity, Amount, Degree, Addition, Increase, Comparative
Common Collocations With More
More or less, more than, once more, no more, more so, more often, more importantly, more likely, some more, much more
Antonyms of More
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Less | A smaller amount or degree |
| Fewer | A smaller number of countable items |
| Least | The smallest amount or degree (superlative) |
| Reduced | Made smaller in amount or extent |
How to Choose the Right Alternative for More
First, identify which job “more” is doing in your sentence: quantifying an amount, forming a comparative, or introducing an additional point. For quantity, “additional” or “extra” both work well depending on formality. For comparatives, “to a greater extent” suits formal writing, while “even more” works in casual speech. For adding a point, “furthermore” and “moreover” suit formal writing, while “plus” and “besides” suit conversation.
Common Mistakes When Using More Alternatives
A common mistake is using “further” for physical, countable quantities (“further chairs” sounds odd; “more chairs” or “additional chairs” is correct), since “further” is generally reserved for abstract or figurative amounts. Another is confusing “more” with “most” — using the comparative form when comparing three or more things actually calls for the superlative. Writers should also avoid stacking synonyms like “furthermore” and “moreover” too close together, since both signal the same kind of addition and can feel repetitive.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common formal synonym for more?
“Additional” is the most common and versatile formal replacement when “more” quantifies an amount.
Is “more” a quantifier or an adverb?
It functions as both, depending on context — a quantifier before nouns (“more time”) and an adverb before comparatives (“more difficult”).
What’s the difference between “more” and “most”?
“More” compares two things, while “most” is the superlative used for comparing three or more things or expressing the highest degree.
What’s a formal way to say “in addition to that”?
“Furthermore,” “moreover,” and “additionally” all work well as formal transitional alternatives.
What’s a casual way to say more?
“Extra,” “plus,” and “on top of that” all work as casual, everyday alternatives.
What’s the opposite of more?
“Less” is the direct opposite for amounts and degree, while “fewer” is used specifically for countable items.
Conclusion
“More” quietly handles several different jobs in English — quantifying, comparing, and adding — so choosing the right alternative starts with identifying which job it’s doing in your sentence. With 55 accurate alternatives split across these functions, you can replace “more” precisely rather than treating one of English’s most frequently used words as a single, interchangeable idea.
