as much as

1. The same quantity as. As with as many (def. 2), the meaning of much as a large amount here is qualified by what follows. For example, Please help yourself to as much of the meant as you want indicates whatever amount you wish. [Late 1100s]

2. Also, however much, much as . Even though, no matter how much, as in As much as I hate to, I must stay home tonight , or However much it hurts, you ought to admit you were wrong , or Much as Karen would love to see us, she can't get out of her prior commitment . [Late 1500s]

3. Also, so much as . In effect, nearly the same as, as in Mom as much as told Jane she couldn't go , or The clerk so much as accused the customer of shoplifting . These expressions intensify the meaning of the verb and indicate that the action is unexpected. [Late 1300s]

Example Sentences

Bloomberg reported that DBS has filed a revised application with Bank Negara Malaysia to acquire up to 30% of Alliance, down from its earlier proposal to purchase as much as 49%, suggesting the scaled-down bid may have a better chance of securing regulatory approval, she notes.

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Coverage became essential — there were 16 camera positions to capture as much as possible.

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Then, at 73, they’re required to take RMDs from growing IRA balances, which can push them into higher tax brackets and cause as much as 85% of their Social Security to become taxable.

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The state development agency earlier this year pledged as much as $70 million to finance the methanol plant.

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This marked a notable turnaround for the index, which had fallen by as much as 8.6% from its Oct.

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Related Words

• approximately 
• basically 
• essentially 
• morally 
• nearly 
• virtually