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.
And then, most winners are more or less free to live their lottery dreams. — Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 28 June 2026 Russia’s war effort and its society have more or less relied on the same well of state cash in the past four years. — Tristan Bove, Fortune, 2 July 2026 The fee can be more or less according to the size of a homeowner’s premium and is split into monthly payments that insurers can spread over one or two years. — Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026 Freddy’s pre-viral social-media history appears more or less consistent with that backstory. — Will Oremus, The Atlantic, 1 July 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 8 Jul. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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