A furthermore synonym helps when your essay starts three paragraphs in a row the same way. The closest swaps are moreover, in addition, additionally and what is more, with also and besides for a lighter touch.
Furthermore is a formal adverb that adds a point supporting what came before. Its replacements differ in tone and in how much weight they give the new point. Below we compare them, show where the commas go and point out a few words that only look like matches.
Swatch at a glance
Best swaps
moreover, in addition, additionally, alsoPart of speech
Adverb (linking or conjunctive)Most formal
moreover, further, additionallyMost casual
plus, on top of that, alsoAdds most weight
what is more, besides, above allAntonyms
None. To contrast, use however.Watch out
Likewise and similarly add a matching point, not just any extra point.
Furthermore synonym table by tone
| Word | Tone | Best spot |
|---|---|---|
| moreover | Formal | A stronger point in an argument |
| in addition | Neutral formal | Reports, letters, essays |
| additionally | Formal | Business writing and lists of features |
| what is more | Lively | Speeches and persuasive essays |
| also | Neutral | Any text, often mid sentence |
| besides | Conversational | A final, clinching reason |
| plus | Casual | Texts, ads, friendly emails |
Moreover, in addition, additionally: the differences
These three are often treated as twins, but they lean differently. Moreover signals that the next point is at least as strong as the last, often stronger. In addition is a calm add-on with no claim about weight. Additionally has the same meaning but some editors find it heavy, so many prefer in addition or also.
Furthermore itself sits between them: formal, steady and best when you are building a case point by point. If you rotate all four in one essay, readers will hardly notice the linking words, which is the goal.
Swaps in essay and email sentences
- Furthermore, the plan saves money becomes in addition, the plan saves money.
- The data is old. Furthermore, it is incomplete becomes the data is old; what is more, it is incomplete.
- Furthermore, please bring your ID becomes please also bring your ID.
- Furthermore, the hotel is near the beach becomes plus, the hotel is near the beach (casual).
An email to a landlord says: "The heater is broken. Furthermore, the window leaks. Furthermore, the lock sticks." Better: "The heater is broken and the window leaks. On top of that, the lock sticks." On top of that tells the reader the list is getting worse, which supports the request.
Where the comma goes
As openers, furthermore and its formal cousins need a comma right behind them: "Moreover, the costs rose." To join two full clauses in one sentence, use a semicolon before and a comma after: "The route is long; in addition, it is steep."
Also and too behave differently. Also often sits before the main verb ("it is also steep"), and too comes at the end ("it is steep too"). Neither needs a comma there. Putting a comma before plus in a list is fine.
Another word for furthermore in speech
Spoken English rarely uses furthermore outside lectures and debates. In conversation, people say also, plus, and another thing or on top of that. "And another thing" often sounds annoyed, so use it for complaints. Besides works well for a last reason: "I am too tired to go. Besides, it is raining."
A presentation can use what is more to keep energy up without sounding like a written report.
False matches to avoid
However and on the other hand turn against the first idea, so they are the opposite job. See however synonyms for those. Therefore draws a result, not an extra point. Likewise and similarly add only a point that matches the one before: "Exports fell. Likewise, imports dropped."
The single word further works as a formal adverb ("Further, the law requires a permit"), but it can read as old fashioned to some.
More linking words
The transition words hub sorts connectors by purpose: adding, contrasting, giving examples, showing results and wrapping up. For the shortest joining word of all, see the and synonyms page. Writers working on longer papers can also visit essay and academic words, where a tool flags overused terms.
Frequently asked questions
Is moreover more formal than furthermore?
They are about equally formal. Moreover hints that the coming point outweighs the last; furthermore just lines up one more.
Is furthermore allowed as a sentence opener?
Yes, that is its usual place. Follow it with a comma, and do not use it to open more than one paragraph in a short piece.
Which furthermore swap sounds natural in an email?
Also and in addition are the most natural. Furthermore can feel stiff in a short message to a colleague.
Does furthermore have an antonym?
Not really, since it is a linking word. The contrasting connectors are however, on the other hand and nevertheless.
Is what is more too informal for essays?
It is fine in persuasive and personal essays. In scientific papers, in addition or moreover keep a cooler tone.
Is besides the same as beside?
No. Besides means in addition or as well. Beside means next to, as in sit beside me.