the more the merrier
Meaning
Having more people involved makes an activity more enjoyable; everyone is welcome to join.
Origin
Recorded from at least the 14th–16th centuries; it reflects the old comparative pattern “the more…, the more…” meaning that an increase in one thing leads to an increase in another (more people → more cheer).
Notes
Common, friendly set phrase used to welcome extra people. Upbeat and informal; avoid when extra people would be a problem (capacity, privacy, rules).
Examples
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Invite your friends too—the more the merrier!
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If you want to bring your kids along, the more the merrier.
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We can add another person to the project team; the more the merrier.
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I wasn’t sure if I should join, but she said the more the merrier.
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Bring any snacks you have—the more the merrier for the road trip.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Fixed expression using the correlative comparative pattern. Often stands alone as a sentence (“The more the merrier!”). Sometimes expanded: “The more, the merrier.” Less commonly you can add context (“The more people we invite, the merrier.”).
Synonyms
- everyone's welcome
- all are welcome
- come one, come all
Antonyms
- the fewer the better
- less is more