fewer

[ fyoo-er ]

/ ˈfyu ər /

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See synonyms for fewer on Thesaurus.com

adjective

of a smaller number: fewer words and more action.

pronoun

(used with a plural verb) a smaller number: Fewer have come than we hoped.

QUIZ

THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?

Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.

Question 1 of 7

In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

candystring

candyfloss

candypuff

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of fewer

Middle English feue, feawe. fewe fewere, Old English fēawera, genitive plural of fēawa few;see -er⁴

words often confused with fewer

See less.

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH fewer

fewer , less (see confusables note at less)

Words nearby fewer

feverweed, feverwort, few, few and far between, few bricks shy of a load, fewer, fewness, few words, -fex, fey, Feydeau

How to use fewer in a sentence

This history reveals that rather than giving families more school options, school choice became a tool intended to give most families far fewer in the end.
‘School choice’ developed as a way to protect segregation and abolish public schools|Nancy MacLean|September 27, 2021|Washington Post
In poor countries, only 1% of the population received a single dose, and even fewer received both.
Low vaccine rates in Africa are a global security issue|Annalisa Merelli|August 14, 2021|Quartz
“We can all now more clearly envision a future with drastically fewer incarcerated people,” the report said.
Task force that includes D.C. attorney general suggests city ‘divest’ from police, with sweeping changes to justice system|Justin Wm. Moyer|February 12, 2021|Washington Post
Expect many drastic changes, including welcoming far fewer ticketed attendees, having athletes quarantine weeks prior to the opening ceremonies, and regular testing for the duration of the competition.
Crystal Ball 2021: Predictions for the economy, politics, technology, and more|lbelanger225|December 1, 2020|Fortune

According to USA Today, more than 180 people were in attendance at the Rose Garden, with only about 50 wearing masks and even fewer practicing social distancing.
Rose Garden Announcement Of Supreme Court Nominee Suspected COVID-19 Super-Spreader Event|Kirsten West Savali|October 3, 2020|Essence.com
This was nine fewer than what he needed just two years ago when 426 members of the House voted.
Democrats Accidentally Save Boehner From Republican Coup|Ben Jacobs, Jackie Kucinich|January 6, 2015|DAILY BEAST
That means that fewer and fewer everyday Americans are choosing to contribute to campaigns.
The 100 Rich People Who Run America|Mark McKinnon|January 5, 2015|DAILY BEAST
The more resources and education society becomes equipped with, the fewer stories like yours will surface.
Dear Leelah, We Will Fight On For You: A Letter to a Dead Trans Teen|Parker Molloy|January 1, 2015|DAILY BEAST
New York now employs fewer cops, firefighters, and sanitation workers than it did in 2002.
How Public Sector Unions Divide the Democrats|Daniel DiSalvo|December 29, 2014|DAILY BEAST
This year, with slightly more worldliness and way fewer drinks consumed, I could see the emotionally fraught underbelly.
The Craziest Date Night for Single Jews, Where Mistletoe Is Ditched for Shots|Emily Shire|December 26, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Few people, I think, realize that, and fewer still realize the reasonable consequences of that.
The Salvaging Of Civilisation|H. G. (Herbert George) Wells
Moderate salaries prevailed, but the sovereign was worth much more then than now, while wants were fewer.
Fifty Years of Railway Life in England, Scotland and Ireland|Joseph Tatlow
Some words occurred thousands of times, and others only five, or fewer.
Assimilative Memory|Marcus Dwight Larrowe (AKA Prof. A. Loisette)
Could the government of the country be now carried on upon principles that were all-powerful twenty—or even fewer—years ago?
Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, No. CCCXXXIX. January, 1844. Vol. LV.|Various
What this troubled old world needs,Is fewer words and better deeds.
Fifty Years of Railway Life in England, Scotland and Ireland|Joseph Tatlow