besides

American  

[bih-sahydz] / bɪˈsaɪdz /

adverb

1. moreover; furthermore; also.

   Besides, I promised her we would come.

   Synonyms:

   further

2. in addition.

   There are three elm trees and two maples besides.

3. otherwise; else.

   They had a roof over their heads but not much besides.

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preposition

1. over and above; in addition to.

   Besides a mother he has a sister to support.

2. other than; except.

   There's no one here besides Bill and me.

besides British  

/ bɪˈsaɪdz /

preposition

1. apart from; even considering

   besides costing too much, the scheme is impractical

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1. anyway; moreover

adverb

1. as well

Commonly Confused

See beside.

Synonym Usage

Besides, moreover both indicate something additional to what has already been stated. Besides often suggests that the addition is in the nature of an afterthought: The bill cannot be paid as yet; besides, the work is not completed. Moreover is more formal and implies that the addition is something particular, emphatic, or important: I did not like the house; moreover, it was too high-priced.

Etymology

Origin of besides

First recorded in 1150–1200; Middle English; see origin at beside, -s ¹

Example Sentences

Besides market-cap requirements, some other eligibility must-haves relate to float and profitability.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 5, 2026

Besides, investors have more pressing areas to focus on.

From Barron's • Jun. 3, 2026

Besides my family, he was my biggest supporter, he believed in me and made me feel like I belonged to something bigger: a legacy.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 3, 2026

Besides, D.C. could even offer the DNC a solution to what is otherwise sure to be a process full of hideous legal and political dilemmas.

From Slate • May 26, 2026

Besides a few more small businesses, the landscape alternates between grassy fields turning brown in the summer heat and oil-stained streets that must lead to neighborhoods with houses.

From "South of Somewhere" by Kalena Miller