at least
Idioms-
Also, at the least . According to the lowest possible assessment, no less than. For example, At least a dozen more chairs are needed , or The job will take four hours at the least . [c. 1050]
-
Anyway, anyhow, as in At least you got there on time , or The children enjoyed the dessert at least . [c. 1050] For synonyms, see at any rate ; in any case .
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Outwardly at least, nothing knocks him out of his stride.
From BBC ● Aug. 17, 2026
Berton, the national disaster agency spokesman, said at least 914 houses on the island were severely damaged and hundreds of others to a lesser degree.
From Barron's ● Aug. 17, 2026
The author describes how in June 1940 the Nazis requisitioned the hotel to be the home of the Abwehr, the more civilized part of the intelligence services, at least compared with the Gestapo.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 16, 2026
Finish: Rest at least 15 minutes, then scatter with scallions or chives.
From Salon ● Aug. 16, 2026
She should have had the oil hot and at least ten pieces of bread made by now.
From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
