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 report draws on state-level estimates of life expectancy at age 65 (16 to 20 years, more or less, depending on the state), average retirement benefits, median net worth and expected retirement expenses. — Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 26 June 2026

No matter where basil is planted, changes in weather may require more or less frequent watering, so monitor the soil and adjust the schedule as needed. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 26 June 2026

So first the Grassmannian of lines in three-dimensional space in this slightly higher dimensional setting would look more or less like the northern hemisphere. — Quanta Magazine, 25 June 2026

Like it or not, the global economy has more or less become a foundry for data centers the way some people think hot dogs are just delivery systems for mustard. — Mark Gongloff, Mercury News, 24 June 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