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 2015-2021 murder increase The murder rate’s previous low came in 2014, capping a decline that had been more or less continuous since the early 1990s. — James Tuttle, The Conversation, 9 July 2026

In the 1860s, Brazil and Cuba both had legalized slavery, and slavery was practiced throughout West Africa in more or less formal or informal forms as well. — David Frum, The Atlantic, 8 July 2026

Yes, this is an especially colorful way of articulating more or less what all early-stage VCs are looking for—entrepreneurs who can barrel through, adapt, and ultimately thrive. — Allie Garfinkle, Fortune, 8 July 2026

Such shenanigans are more or less expected, and certainly haven’t forever sullied the American soccer fan base, at least here at home. — Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 7 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