approximation

noun

ap·​prox·​i·​ma·​tion ə-ˌpräk-sə-ˈmā-shən 

1

: the act or process of drawing together

2

: the quality or state of being close or near

an approximation to the truth

an approximation of justice

3

: something that is approximate

especially : a mathematical quantity that is close in value to but not the same as a desired quantity

approximative

ə-ˈpräk-sə-ˌmā-tiv 

adjective

Examples of approximation in a Sentence

This isn't an exact figure but I think it's a good approximation of what the land is worth.

The color of the paint isn't the exact same color as the vase, but it's a close approximation.

Recent Examples on the Web

Rather than relying on approximations, costume designer Marci Rodgers recreated each piece from the ground up, sourcing materials that matched the originals as closely as possible, even down to the thread color. —Lily Brown, PEOPLE, 9 June 2026

This rule of thumb gives an approximation of how much money retirees can withdraw from their savings each year in order to give themselves good odds of not running out of money 30 years later. —Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 8 June 2026

Since the Neo Geo’s scaling hardware can efficiently stretch those sprites vertically without much overhead, the raycasting data can be quickly converted into a chunky approximation of a first-person view. —Kyle Orland, ArsTechnica, 2 June 2026

Documentation, diagrams and dashboards have served as approximations of reality, and teams have relied on a combination of knowledge and experience to fill in the gaps. —Matthew Sweeney, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for approximation

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

Kids Definition

approximation

noun

ap·​prox·​i·​ma·​tion ə-ˌpräk-sə-ˈmā-shən 

1

: a coming near or close (as in value)

2

: something approximate

especially : an estimate or figure that is almost exact