approximately

adverb

ap·​prox·​i·​mate·​ly ə-ˈpräk-sə-mət-lē How to pronounce approximately (audio)
Synonyms of approximatelynext
: in an approximate manner
an event in ancient history that can only be approximately dated
used to indicate that a stated number, amount, or value is an approximation
Approximately [=around, about] 2,000 people attended the rally.
arrived at approximately 11:30 in the morning
During a lifetime, a person will take approximately 500 million breaths.Arthur S. Slutsky, M.D., et al.

Examples of approximately in a Sentence

it takes approximately three hours to drive to Dallas
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The journey is a true adventure that includes moderate to challenging hikes, but the reward is a wild, unspoiled jungle with magnificent wildlife encounters—Osa Peninsula hosts approximately 50% of all of the species found in Costa Rica. Meghan Palmer, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Mar. 2026 Dating the pine trees in the mound indicates that it was constructed around 551 CE, with most of the trees being deposited approximately 15 years after the Dust Veil Event—a volcanic eruption that triggered significant climate change. Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 29 Mar. 2026 Independence Avenue Corridor extending, approximately, from Gladstone Boulevard to the north, East 18th Street to the south, Forest Avenue to the west and Interstate 435 to the east. Eric Adler march 29, Kansas City Star, 29 Mar. 2026 What remains is approximately $10. Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 29 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for approximately

Word History

First Known Use

1742, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of approximately was in 1742

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Cite this Entry

“Approximately.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/approximately. Accessed 31 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

approximately

adverb
ap·​prox·​i·​mate·​ly
-mət-lē
: reasonably close to
approximately 5 miles
at approximately six o'clock

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