Synonyms of far, such as distant, remote, away, yonder, and afar, describe distance—either physical, temporal, or figurative. For example, “distant” emphasizes measurable space or time, while “remote” highlights isolation or difficulty of access. These words capture the sense of separation, extremity, or reach in various contexts.
If you’re writing about geography, travel, abstract concepts, or figurative distance, using the right synonym for far helps make your writing more precise and vivid.
These synonyms allow writers to convey literal distance, temporal separation, or figurative extremity—from casual descriptions to literary or technical writing.
What Does Far Mean?
Far generally refers to distance or extent:
- Physical Distance: Something located at a great space from a reference point.
- Temporal Distance: Something happening in the past or future.
- Figurative Distance: Emotional, conceptual, or social separation.
Think of far as expressing how distant, removed, or extreme something is in space, time, or meaning.
Synonyms for Far (With Meanings, Usage & Examples)
1. Distant
Meaning: Located far away.
When to Use: Formal, descriptive, or literary contexts.
Example: The distant mountains appeared hazy in the morning sun.
2. Remote
Meaning: Far away and often isolated.
When to Use: Travel, geography, or figurative contexts.
Example: They traveled to a remote village deep in the forest.
3. Away
Meaning: At a distance from a reference point.
When to Use: Everyday or informal writing.
Example: The children ran away to play in the park.
4. Yonder
Meaning: Over there, at a distance.
When to Use: Literary, poetic, or descriptive.
Example: Look at the castle yonder on the hill.
5. Afar
Meaning: From or at a great distance.
When to Use: Literary, poetic, or formal writing.
Example: Travelers watched the city lights from afar.
6. Outlying
Meaning: Situated at the edge or far from the center.
When to Use: Geography, urban planning, or formal contexts.
Example: The outlying towns rely on the central city for trade.
7. Faraway
Meaning: Distant in space or time.
When to Use: Literary, casual, or narrative writing.
Example: She dreamed of visiting faraway lands.
8. Long-Distance
Meaning: Covering a great distance.
When to Use: Travel, communication, or technical writing.
Example: He maintained a long-distance friendship across countries.
9. Beyond
Meaning: At a further point or outside limits.
When to Use: Literal, figurative, or literary contexts.
Example: The forest stretched beyond the horizon.
10. Extended
Meaning: Covering a large area or period.
When to Use: Formal, descriptive, or literary.
Example: The extended coastline is perfect for walking.
11. Out-of-the-Way
Meaning: Remote or less accessible.
When to Use: Informal, travel, or descriptive writing.
Example: They stayed in an out-of-the-way cabin.
12. Off
Meaning: At a distance from a point of reference.
When to Use: Casual, informal, or conversational writing.
Example: The village is off the main road.
13. Far-Flung
Meaning: Spread out or distant.
When to Use: Literary, descriptive, or global contexts.
Example: The company has far-flung branches worldwide.
14. Beyond Reach
Meaning: So distant that it is inaccessible.
When to Use: Figurative or descriptive writing.
Example: The treasure seemed beyond reach.
15. Remote-Controlled
Meaning: Operated from a distance.
When to Use: Technical, literal, or figurative.
Example: The drone is remote-controlled from the base station.
16. Outback
Meaning: Remote or sparsely populated region.
When to Use: Geography, travel, or descriptive writing.
Example: They explored the Australian outback.
17. Isolated
Meaning: Separated from others or society.
When to Use: Travel, descriptive, or figurative contexts.
Example: The cabin was isolated on the mountainside.
18. Remotely
Meaning: At a distance; figuratively or literally.
When to Use: Formal, technical, or figurative.
Example: She worked remotely from a distant city.
19. Horizon
Meaning: The farthest visible point.
When to Use: Poetic, descriptive, or figurative contexts.
Example: The sun sank beyond the horizon.
20. Outreaching
Meaning: Extending far or reaching outward.
When to Use: Formal or figurative writing.
Example: The outreaching branches created deep shade.
21. Farthest
Meaning: Most distant point.
When to Use: Formal, narrative, or descriptive.
Example: They reached the farthest edge of the desert.
22. Remote Area
Meaning: A region distant from urban centers.
When to Use: Geography, travel, or technical contexts.
Example: Rescue teams were sent to the remote area.
23. Unreachable
Meaning: Impossible to reach; very far.
When to Use: Figurative, emotional, or descriptive.
Example: The summit seemed unreachable to the climbers.
24. Outer
Meaning: Situated on the edge or far from the center.
When to Use: Spatial, literary, or technical contexts.
Example: The outer islands are less populated.
25. Remote Region
Meaning: A distant, sparsely populated area.
When to Use: Geography, scientific, or descriptive contexts.
Example: The expedition mapped a remote region of the Arctic.
26. Far-Off
Meaning: Distant in space or time.
When to Use: Literary, narrative, or informal contexts.
Example: Far-off lands have always fascinated explorers.
27. Expanse
Meaning: A wide, open, or distant area.
When to Use: Literary, descriptive, or figurative.
Example: The desert expanse stretched endlessly.
28. Distant Lands
Meaning: Countries or places far away.
When to Use: Travel, literary, or poetic contexts.
Example: She dreamed of visiting distant lands.
29. Remote Location
Meaning: A place situated far away and difficult to access.
When to Use: Travel, technical, or descriptive writing.
Example: They set up camp in a remote location.
30. Outlying Area
Meaning: Area located far from the center.
When to Use: Geography, urban planning, or descriptive.
Example: Outlying areas often rely on city centers for resources.
How to Choose the Right Synonym for Far
The right synonym depends on context, tone, and audience:
- Formal / Literary: Distant, afar, far-flung, far-off
- Informal / Everyday: Away, off, yonder, faraway
- Travel / Geography: Remote, outlying, outback, remote location
- Figurative / Metaphorical: Beyond, unreachable, beyond reach, outer
Conclusion
The synonyms of far allow writers to describe physical, temporal, and figurative distance across multiple contexts—from casual descriptions to literary or technical writing. Words like distant, away, and afar make distance vivid, while remote, unreachable, and far-flung add emphasis, isolation, or extremity.
Using the right synonym helps your writing communicate clarity, scope, and nuance—whether describing landscapes, time, emotions, or abstract separation. Each term adds its own shade to the idea of distance.
