pretty much

Idioms  

1. Almost, nearly, approximately, as in Our homework was pretty much finished. This adverbial usage differs from the use of pretty for “considerable” (as in pretty penny). [c. 1800]

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Example Sentences

“Tasks that would have been impossible to do or would have required very specialist knowledge … are now possible for pretty much anyone who wants to point it in the right direction and be persistent.”

From MarketWatch • Apr. 18, 2026

"Production of ozone-depleting substances has pretty much ceased around the world except for this one use, which is when you have a chemical you convert into something else."

From Science Daily • Apr. 16, 2026

Rosenberg also cites the rally in riskier assets as a sign the market thinks the war is pretty much over.

From Barron's • Apr. 15, 2026

Her neurologist told the outlet that Lee’s symptoms are pretty much gone.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2026

Like most hamsters, I’m pretty much of a loner, so I really hadn’t thought about it before.

From "The World According to Humphrey" by Betty G. Birney

Related Words

• a little
• considerably
• fairly
• kind of
• moderately
• quite
• rather
• reasonably
• somewhat
• very