A person who asks for another cup of coffee wants more of the same; one who takes another job may be after something different. The first meaning takes one more, an additional or a further; the second takes a different or some other. The noun after it stays singular, except in number phrases such as another five minutes.
Best synonyms for another
One more of the same kind
- one more
- an additional
- a further
- an extra
- yet another
- a second
A different or replacement one
- a different
- some other
- a new
- an alternative
- a separate
- a fresh
Which synonym should you use?
| If you mean… | Best alternatives |
|---|---|
| one more of the same thing | one more, an extra |
| added on, in formal writing | an additional, a further |
| annoyed that it keeps happening | yet another |
| a repeat attempt or turn | a second, one more |
| not this one, a different pick | a different, some other |
| a replacement for the first | a new, a fresh |
| a substitute plan or route | an alternative |
| kept apart from the first | a separate |
Another synonyms explained
1. One more
The plainest swap when another means a single addition, and the one that makes the count obvious. For several items, replace one with the number: two more chairs, which says the same as another two chairs.
Best used when: You are counting and want to stress that only one is being added.
Correct: We need one more chair.
Incorrect: We need another chairs.
Another cannot sit directly before a plural noun. Use the first sentence for a single chair; for several, write We need two more chairs or We need another two chairs.
2. An additional
Adds the idea of being tacked onto something that is already complete, such as a fee, a deadline or a requirement. It is more formal than an extra and less pointed than a further.
Best used when: You are describing something added to a plan, price or list in business or official writing.
The contract allows an additional two weeks for delivery.
3. A further
Suggests a step in a continuing process, so it fits reviews, inquiries and delays that follow earlier ones. Compared with an additional, it looks forward in a sequence instead of just counting what was added.
Best used when: A report, request or investigation continues past an earlier stage.
The committee requested a further review of the budget.
4. An extra
Implies a spare or bonus, something beyond what was strictly needed. This makes it warmer and more casual than an additional, which sounds like paperwork.
Best used when: You mean a spare or bonus item in an everyday situation.
She packed an extra sweater in case it got cold.
5. Yet another
Keeps the meaning of another but adds weariness: this is the latest in a string you did not want. It is not neutral, so avoid it when you only mean one more.
Best used when: You are complaining that something has happened again and again.
Yet another email about the parking lot landed in my inbox.
6. A second
Counts the repeat as an ordinal: the first try happened and this is the next. It fits chances, opinions and helpings, but not a third or fourth one, where another would still work.
Best used when: There has been exactly one earlier attempt or occurrence.
The applicant asked for a second chance to take the test.
7. A different
Rules out the one already in view and picks something unlike it, so it is the safest swap when another means a change. Drop the article and different also takes plural nouns (different seats), which another cannot do on its own.
Best used when: You are rejecting the current item and want one with different qualities.
I'd like a different seat; this one faces the sun.
8. Some other
Leaves the choice open and unspecified, with an air of "it doesn't matter which." Unlike another, it works with singular and plural nouns: some other day, some other people.
Best used when: You are postponing or redirecting without naming the replacement.
Let's meet some other day, when the schedule is lighter.
9. A new
Stresses that the replacement is newly acquired or newly made, not just different. Compared with a different, it points to a fresh start or something that did not exist before.
Best used when: The first one is replaced, lost or finished, and you start again.
After the layoffs, he went looking for a new job.
10. An alternative
Presents the other thing as a competing option you could choose instead, so it fits routes, plans and proposals. It does not suit additions, where another means "also."
Best used when: Two or more options are being weighed against each other.
The mayor proposed an alternative route that avoids downtown.
11. A separate
Emphasizes that the item is kept apart from the first, not that it is different in kind. A separate envelope can match the first one exactly.
Best used when: Two items should be stored, billed or handled apart.
Keep the receipts in a separate envelope.
FAQ
What is the difference between another and the other?
Another introduces one more or one different item from an open set. The other points to the one remaining item when the group is known, as in two shoes, one here and the other by the door.
Can another be used with a plural noun?
Not directly: another books is wrong, so use another book or more books. It does work with a number or few that treats the plural as one block: another five minutes, another few days.
Is it ever written as two words, an other?
Not in ordinary writing: another is one word, and an other in everyday sentences is a misspelling. Do not confuse it with one another, which means each other and is not a synonym.