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

Indeed, most of the parties involved are complaining more or less equally and none of them have yet walked away, which may be a good sign. — Lorne Cook, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2026

All five partook in a teaser announcing the reunion, technically appearing as themselves, but more or less playing their characters from the show. — Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 13 Oct. 2026

While this show is not a retrospective, Kruger is more or less at its center. — Amy Verner, Vogue, 12 Oct. 2026

And, unlike New York, there’s very little in the way of height competition, so the vistas are more or less unobstructed. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Oct. 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