more or less

adverb

1

: to a varying or undetermined extent or degree : somewhat

they were more or less willing to help

2

: with small variations : approximately

contains 16 acres more or less

Synonyms of more or less

• almost
• practically
• nearly
• pretty much
• just about
• fairly

Examples of more or less in a Sentence

the lot is 16 acres more or less

most couples in the survey said that they were more or less happy in their marriage

Recent Examples on the Web

The tub, toilet and sink are all white, shining more or less, and the room has faded bluish linoleum on the floor and tired, dirty-pink walls. — Literary Hub, 24 Aug. 2026

The joint move more or less disproves that, but that kind of reporting is pretty much on par with all celebrity couples. — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 20 Aug. 2026

All riders can adjust the position of the front seats, to make more or less legroom for both. — Brad Templeton, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026

The Magnificent Seven used to move more or less in lockstep, mostly going up. — Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 19 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for more or less

• adulteress
• adventuress
• nevertheless
• abbess
• abscess
• access
• address
• assess
• caress
• confess
• depress
• digress

Kids Definition

more or less

adverb

1

: to a varying or uncertain degree : somewhat

they were more or less willing to help

2

: with small variations : approximately

contains 16 acres more or less