Definition

Noun: 1. Greatness of quantity, measure, or extent: The state or quality of being large in amount, degree, or size. 2. (Chiefly in the phrase "much of a muchness"): A state of being very similar or nearly identical, with little to no significant difference.

Usage

The word "muchness" is now considered archaic in its standalone sense of "great quantity." Its primary modern usage is in the fixed idiomatic phrase "much of a muchness." In this idiom, it refers not to a large amount, but to a state of essential sameness or negligible difference between two or more things.

Examples

• Standalone (archaic): (The great extent of his wealth was known...)
• In the idiom "much of a muchness": (I've tried both brands, and they're very similar.)
• In the idiom "much of a muchness": (All the proposals were very similar...)

Advanced Usage

• "much of a muchness": This is the standard and almost exclusive modern construction. It is used to express that two or more items, people, or situations are practically the same in quality, value, or character, often implying they are equally mediocre or unremarkable.
  • The two political candidates' policies are much of a muchness.
  • When it comes to cheap smartphones, most models are much of a muchness.

Variants and Related Words

• Much (adj, adv, pron): The root word, meaning a large amount.
• Muchly (adv, archaic/humorous): To a great extent. (e.g., )

Synonyms

• Similarity: The quality or state of being alike.
• Equivalence: The condition of being equal or essentially the same in value, function, or meaning.
• Uniformity: The quality of lacking variation or diversity; sameness.

Antonyms

• Difference: A point or way in which people or things are dissimilar.
• Disparity: A great difference or inequality.
• Distinction: A difference or contrast between similar things or people.

Related Idioms

• Six of one, half a dozen of the other: A phrase with a very similar meaning to "much of a muchness," indicating that two alternatives are equivalent.
• Cut from the same cloth: Very similar in character or nature.

Noun

1. greatness of quantity or measure or extent