help
24 synonyms and 2 antonyms for help, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To provide assistance to someone or something.
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 help
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English help, going back to a Germanic root meaning "to help."
Full origin of help →Frequently asked questions
What does “help” mean?
The word “help” means assistance or aid given to accomplish something. In plain terms, to assist someone, or the assistance itself.
How do you pronounce “help”?
“Help” is pronounced HEH-uup (/ˈhɛlp/ in IPA).
How do you use “help” in a sentence?
Here is “help” used in a sentence: “Thanks for your help moving the furniture.”
What is another word for “help”?
Words with a similar meaning to “help” include aid, assist, come to the aid of, help out, abet and befriend.
What is the opposite of “help”?
The opposite of “help” — its antonyms — are hinder and hurt.
What part of speech is “help”?
Depending on how it is used, “help” can be a noun, a verb and an intj.
Where does the word “help” come from?
The word “help” comes from Old English. From Old English help, going back to a Germanic root meaning "to help.".
Is “help” a common word?
“Help” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
What is the difference between 'help' and 'aid'?
Both mean assistance, and they often swap freely. 'Help' is the everyday word for support of any kind — 'thanks for your help.' 'Aid' sounds slightly more formal and often refers to organised or official assistance, such as foreign aid or first aid. In casual speech, 'help' is far more common.
Is 'help' a noun or a verb?
It can be both. As a noun it names the assistance itself — 'I need some help.' As a verb it describes the act of assisting — 'can you help me?' Here the noun sense is meant: the aid given to get something done, rather than the action of giving it.
What is an example of 'help' as a noun?
'She offered her help with the moving boxes' uses 'help' as the assistance she gives. Other examples include 'the map was a big help' and 'he came to my help.' In each, 'help' names the support provided rather than the act of providing it.