fewer

[fyoo-er]

adjective

1. of a smaller number.

   fewer words and more action.

pronoun

1. (used with a plural verb),  a smaller number.

   Fewer have come than we hoped.

Confusables Note

See less.

Word History and Origins

Origin of fewer¹

Middle English feue, feawe. fewe fewere, Old English fēawera, genitive plural of fēawa few; -er ⁴ ( def. )

Example Sentences

According to some estimates, fewer than 10 U.S. citizens remain in the facilities.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Both have played a game fewer than Hearts.

Read more on Barron's

In clinical trials, patients with rheumatoid arthritis who received mild electrical pulses to the vagus nerve from the implant had fewer flare-ups and lower disease activity.

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Now, Norris' lead is down to 24 points, and Verstappen has vaulted up to be level on points with Piastri, albeit still technically third overall as he has one fewer win.

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With fewer apartments in urban cores, more renters would also likely live farther away, forcing them to commute, which comes with its own set of risks.

Read more on Los Angeles Times