more
5 synonyms and 0 antonyms for more, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adv — To a greater degree or extent.
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.
How to use more
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English māra, "more," related to Dutch meer and German mehr.
Full origin of more →Frequently asked questions
What does “more” mean?
The word “more” means to a greater degree or extent. In plain terms, a greater amount, extent, or degree of something.
How do you pronounce “more”?
“More” is pronounced maw (/mɔɹ/ in IPA).
How do you use “more” in a sentence?
Here is “more” used in a sentence: “She likes tea more than coffee.”
What part of speech is “more”?
Depending on how it is used, “more” can be an adverb and a pronoun.
Where does the word “more” come from?
The word “more” comes from Old English. From Old English māra, "more," related to Dutch meer and German mehr.
Is “more” a common word?
“More” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “more” have?
“More” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to a greater degree or extent.
What is the difference between 'more' and 'most'?
'More' is the comparative form, showing a greater degree when comparing two things: 'this one is more useful.' 'Most' is the superlative, showing the greatest degree among three or more: 'this is the most useful of all.' Use 'more' to compare, 'most' to rank at the very top.
What is the opposite of 'more'?
'Less' is the usual opposite, meaning to a smaller degree or extent — 'less tired,' 'less often.' For things you can count individually, the opposite is 'fewer,' as in 'fewer mistakes' rather than 'less mistakes.' Both point to a reduction rather than an increase.
When do you use 'more' instead of adding '-er'?
Use 'more' with longer adjectives and most adverbs: 'more careful,' 'more quickly' — never 'carefuller.' Short, one-syllable words usually take '-er' instead, as in 'faster' or 'taller.' Two-syllable words vary, but 'more' is the safe choice whenever '-er' sounds wrong.
What is an example of 'more' as an adverb?
In 'please speak more slowly,' 'more' modifies the adverb 'slowly,' signaling a greater degree. It also strengthens adjectives — 'more interesting,' 'more difficult' — and verbs — 'I exercise more now.' In each case it points to an increase in degree or extent.