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

That’s why we need to share anything that captures them flailing around as much as possible.

From Los Angeles Times

"Well, I just want to put this out there, and I'd love you to publicise this as much as possible: I do say no to stuff," Ranganathan jokes to BBC News.

From BBC

Wild horse populations can increase as much as 20% a year.

From Los Angeles Times

Clearsprings is "paying as little as possible to the suppliers and taking as much as they can in profits", says Maia Kirby from Good Jobs First - one of 60 charities to have written an open letter.

From BBC

Many employers are simply not able to accommodate some disabilities, Saul says, while time constraints also mean he can not help them as much as he would like.

From BBC

Related Words

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