Synonyms for

Fewer

Verb / ˈfju:ɜ: / Another word for fewer — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

comparative of few, meaning a smaller number or amount

Synonyms & similar words

many few more less smaller diminished reduced decreased limited scarcer inadequate insufficient minor meager paltry scanty sparse tight narrow constricted cramped confined restricted

Synonyms by register

Formal

lesser smaller in number

Informal

less not as many

Literary

scarcer dwindling

Antonyms

more greater larger additional extra increased

Common collocations

  • fewer than
  • fewer people
  • fewer than expected
  • fewer than half
  • fewer opportunities
  • fewer than five
  • fewer than 10

Word family

adjective few
adverb fewly

Usage note

Fewer is used with countable nouns, while less is traditionally used with uncountable nouns. For example, 'fewer cars' but 'less traffic'.

Example sentences

  1. I have fewer toys than my brother.
  2. We need to buy fewer apples than bananas.
  3. There are fewer clouds in the sky today.
  4. The team had fewer goals than the opponent.
  5. My sister ate fewer cookies than I did.

Quotes

  • The fewer the facts, the stronger the opinion. - Arnold H. Glasow
  • The fewer the words, the better the prayer. - Martin Luther
  • Less is more, and fewer is better. - Unknown

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