more or less

Idioms  

1. Approximately, as in The truck will hold nine yards of dirt, more or less . This usage was first recorded in 1589.

2. Basically, essentially, as in We more or less agree on the substance of the letter . This usage was first recorded about 1225.

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Example Sentences

Eliot, “Cats” has narrative lines but more or less unfolds as a revue.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

That is, the options-trading “universe” prices the straddle prior to the earnings and more or less keeps it at that price until the earnings are announced.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 30, 2026

Since 2007, however, European per capita incomes have more or less stagnated while the U.S. has enjoyed another growth spurt.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 30, 2026

This would change the current more or less 50-50 split to more like 60-40 or so.

From BBC • Apr. 28, 2026

Now, I’ll confess: I don’t feel too terrible about more or less chucking the Game Plan because I’m hanging out with Rae a bunch now.

From "Odd One Out" by Nic Stone