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

But no matter the projectile, its speed remained more or less the same. — Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 10 Aug. 2026

Up until now, this tension has more or less resolved itself as generations grow up and grow less radical as the fruits of their labor are recognized. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 10 Aug. 2026

The acting is passable, more or less, but dialogue is often rigidly expository or cliché or both. — Jared Kaufman, Twin Cities, 9 Aug. 2026

But Oleh’s transition did more or less coincide with the Russian invasion, which has severely hindered his ability to live freely and openly at a time when men are expected to serve their country in the armed forces. — Guy Lodge, Variety, 8 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