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 in the grand scheme of things, each league is more or less a tool for customer acquisition. —Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 26 Mar. 2026

While the report produced a minor dip in SoFi’s stock when it was published, the stock has since performed more or less in line with the S&P 500, while faring better than its fintech peer Chime. —Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 25 Mar. 2026

These talented women are allowing their faces to age, more or less, visibly (and naturally) but refuse to forswear their highlights. —Valerie Monroe, Allure, 25 Mar. 2026

That’s more or less what’s happening here. —Caleb Crain, Harpers Magazine, 24 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