far
5 synonyms and 2 antonyms for far, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adjective — Distant in space or time.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use far
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English feor, "far, distant," from a Proto-Germanic root.
Full origin of far →Frequently asked questions
What does “far” mean?
The word “far” means distant in space or time. In plain terms, distant, or (as an adverb) used to describe distance or degree of difference.
How do you pronounce “far”?
“Far” is pronounced fah (/fɑɹ/ in IPA).
How do you use “far” in a sentence?
Here is “far” used in a sentence: “They travelled to a far country in search of work.”
What is the opposite of “far”?
The opposite of “far” — its antonyms — are close and near.
What part of speech is “far”?
Depending on how it is used, “far” can be an adjective and an adverb.
Where does the word “far” come from?
The word “far” comes from Old English. From Old English feor, "far, distant," from a Proto-Germanic root.
Is “far” a common word?
“Far” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “far” have?
“Far” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: distant in space or time.
What is the opposite of far?
The opposite of 'far' is 'near' or 'close'. 'Far' describes something a great distance away in space or time, while 'near' and 'close' describe something a short distance away. You might say a shop is far from home, or reassure someone that help is near.
What is the difference between far and distant?
'Far' and 'distant' both mean a long way off and are often interchangeable. 'Far' is the plainer, more everyday word, common in speech and casual writing. 'Distant' sounds slightly more formal or literary and can also suggest emotional coolness, as in 'a distant relative' or 'a distant manner'.
Can 'far' refer to time as well as distance?
Yes. Although 'far' most often describes physical distance, it applies to time too. We speak of the 'far future' or something happening 'far back in history'. In both cases the idea is the same — a large gap between here and there, whether measured in miles or in years.