Another Word for Help: 15 Synonyms with Examples
To help is to make something easier for someone or to improve a situation. Other words say more precisely what kind of help: practical support, money, advice or simply making things easier.
As a verb: make easier or give support
- assist
- aid
- support
- back
- serve
As a verb: improve a situation
As a noun: support given
- assistance
- aid
- support
- guidance
- backing
- a hand
Need a different word?Look up any word in the synonym finder →
How they differ
Synonyms share a meaning, not always a tone. Here is when to pick each of the main options.
- assist
- More formal than help, and suggests playing a supporting role while someone else leads.
- aid
- Formal; common with recovery, understanding and humanitarian contexts.
- support
- Suggests ongoing backing over time, emotional or financial as well as practical.
- benefit
- Says the person or thing is better off, without saying who did the helping.
- ease
- Makes a difficulty or pain less severe rather than solving it.
- guidance
- Help in the form of advice or direction.
Example sentences
- assist: Two volunteers assisted the librarian with the evening reading group.
- aid: Clear headings aid the reader who only skims the report.
- support: The charity supports young carers through regular weekend breaks.
- benefit: Quieter streets would benefit cyclists and residents alike.
- ease: A phased start eased the pressure on the new team.
- guidance: New tutors receive guidance on marking during their first term.
Opposite of help
- hinder
- obstruct
- impede
- hamper
More from WordNet
Less common or more specialised words WordNet lists for other senses of “help”. Check the meaning before you use one.
verb: facilitate
noun: assistant, helper, supporter, avail, service
WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Used under the WordNet licence.
Frequently asked questions
What is another word for “help”?
The most useful alternatives are “assist”, “aid”, “support”, “back”, “serve”. For the main sense (make easier or give support), “assist” is usually the closest swap.
What is the difference between “assist” and “aid”?
assist: More formal than help, and suggests playing a supporting role while someone else leads. aid: Formal; common with recovery, understanding and humanitarian contexts.
What is the opposite of “help”?
Common antonyms are “hinder”, “obstruct”, “impede”, “hamper”.