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

Their tutors had been more or less flying blind, because there were almost no prior tests from which to teach. — Min Jin Lee, New Yorker, 19 July 2026

While Deliverance follows more or less in the footsteps of Blackwater Park, Damnation digs into a strange new realm for the band, uncovering something even darker. — Sam Goldner, Pitchfork, 19 July 2026

Would that fine be more or less than what a red-light camera violation costs? — Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 18 July 2026

The depth, chaise length, and cushion fill are also customizable, making this more or less capable of delivering on the Couch of Your Dreams™. — Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 16 July 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