more or less

adverb

Synonyms of more or lessnext
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

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In simulated procedures involving artificial tissue, blood vessels, and an appendix model, the skin illuminated the areas being gripped, with the brightness and size of the glowing regions changing as the instrument applied more or less force. — New Atlas, 27 Oct. 2026 Modern scholars have usually read them silently or, if reading aloud, declaimed them in a more or less theatrical manner. — Literary Hub, 27 Oct. 2026 Sadly, that's more or less par for the course in contemporary American politics. — Alexis Guerrero, CBS News, 27 Oct. 2026 In an interesting flourish, Henry, The Art of Fielding’s star shortstop and more or less that novel’s protagonist, shows up for just a few moments and then disappears. — Emma Alpern, Vulture, 26 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for more or less

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of more or less was in the 13th century

Rhymes for more or less

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Browse Nearby Words

more often than not
more or less
moreover
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Cite this Entry

“More or less.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/more%20or%20less. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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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
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