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.

Related Words

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; beside, -s ¹

Example Sentences

She did not receive a single question that indicated any justice besides Thomas and Alito was seriously considering upholding the policy.

From Slate • Apr. 1, 2026

“I can’t release them. They wouldn’t survive, and besides, we just got new hatchlings,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2026

The DCI had earlier said it was investigating whether there was any criminal activity besides the reported irregularities in the burial process.

From BBC • Mar. 25, 2026

I’d also encourage you to think about what else you can offer besides an empathetic ear.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 19, 2026

And besides, often it is the bad things that turn out to be the best.

From This Side of Wild by Gary Paulsen