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 two treks covered roughly the same ground but branched off to different micro zones within an area of the grove that was more or less burned flat. —Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2026

Also, be aware of whether your gas station charges more or less for paying with credit cards or cash. —Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 12 Mar. 2026

The city had some of the strongest restrictions in the state, more or less treating Airbnbs like any other business until the Idaho Supreme Court struck down aspects of its ordinance in 2025. —Mark Dee, Idaho Statesman, 11 Mar. 2026

While no one would argue that Chamberlain’s 100-point game was pure, Kobe’s 81 was, more or less. —Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 11 Mar. 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