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

So far, researchers have not seen a long-term trend of either more or less rain in the state. — Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 11 Nov. 2026

The bubble containing these A’s and B’s will grow, but the ratio of molecules will stay more or less steady. — Perri Thaler, Quanta Magazine, 10 Nov. 2026

But Hegseth’s rebuttal of a 34-page resolution was, more or less, this sentence. — Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Nov. 2026

Though the plot unfolds more slowly—the show has eight hours to fill, after all, rather than two—the world of the series looks more or less the same as the one in the original films, from Hogwarts to Diagon Alley to the Dursleys’ house. — Chris Murphy, Vanity Fair, 10 Nov. 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