moreover

moreover — adverb

1. used to join a new sentence to a previous statement, introducing an extra piece

1.adverbB2
Definition

used to join a new sentence to a previous statement, introducing an extra piece of evidence or a stronger reason that backs up the argument you have just made.

Example

Aiko proved she could handle the project. Moreover, she finished two weeks ahead of schedule.

sentence-initial linking adverb; adds a stronger supporting point

The new policy reduced waste by thirty percent. Moreover, it cut costs across every department.

Synonyms
  • furthermore

    very similar meaning; slightly more formal and common in academic writing

  • in addition

    more neutral in tone; can be used in both formal and everyday contexts

  • besides

    more informal; often introduces a dismissive or obvious reason

Antonyms
  • however

    introduces a contrasting or limiting point rather than an additional supporting one

Grammar Patterns

Moreover, + [clause]

Usage Note

Typically placed at the very beginning of a sentence or independent clause, followed by a comma. Unlike 'besides', it cannot introduce a completely new topic — it must support or extend the point made in the previous sentence.

Common Mistakes

I went to the store. Moreover, I bought milk.
I went to the store. Moreover, the milk was on sale, so I saved some money.
'Moreover' needs to add a stronger or more important reason, not just describe the next event in a sequence.
The car is old. Moreover, it is red.
The car is old. Moreover, it has a broken engine and needs expensive repairs.
The second point connected by 'moreover' should strengthen the argument, not give an unrelated detail.

Synonym discussion

Sense: adverb/1

Moreover, furthermore, in addition, and besides all add information to a previous statement, but they differ in register and tone. Moreover and furthermore are the most formal — typical of academic essays, legal arguments, or business reports. In addition and additionally are more neutral, common in both formal writing and everyday announcements. Besides is the least formal and often introduces a reason the speaker sees as obvious or dismissive ('Besides, I cannot afford it anyway'). Moreover carries a distinct rhetorical force: it signals that the new point is meant to strengthen or clinch the argument. For example, 'The plan is too expensive. Moreover, it will not be ready on time.' — the moreover point is the decisive objection.

moreover ↗furthermore ↗besides ↗in addition

Common collocations

Adverbs

  • and moreover (common in formal writing, e.g. 'and moreover, the data show...')
  • but moreover (rare; used in counter-arguments)

Phrases

  • Moreover, [subject] [verb] — standard sentence-initial structure

Etymology

Middle EnglishEnglish

Comes from Middle English 'more over', a phrase combining 'more' (greater in amount) with 'over' (in addition, beyond). The two words gradually fused into a single adverb by the late 14th century. Its use as a sentence-level connecting word — introducing a supporting point — has been stable since the 1400s.