approximate

adjective ap·prox·i·mate \ ə-ˈpräk-sə-mət \

Definition of approximate

1 :nearly correct or exact :close in value or amount but not precise

an approximate solution

an approximate date

2 :located close together

approximate leaves

—

approximately

adverb

See approximate defined for English-language learners

See approximate defined for kids

Examples of approximate in a Sentence

This is the approximate location of the ancient city.
Can you give me the approximate cost of the repair?

Recent Examples of approximate from the Web

The inmates volunteer for the approximate 10-week program and are selected by the unit staff.

— erika butler, The Aegis, "Harford jail unit aids inmates serious about recovery from addiction," 7 Aug. 2017
Resources Nicklaus Children’s Hospital ▪ Go to https://www.nicklauschildrens.org/ for locations and approximate wait times.

— brooke henderson, miamiherald, "Raising the barre for dance-related injuries," 22 July 2017
The approximate value of all the cars stolen was $361,070, Healey said.

— thomas novelly, The Courier-Journal, "Teens accused of stealing over $361,000 in cars," 12 July 2017
In the photo, a figure with Earhart's haircut and approximate body type sits on the dock, facing away from the camera, Henry points out.

— the washington post, AL.com, "New Amelia Earhart photo suggests she was captured by Japan, investigators say," 6 July 2017
In the photo, a figure with Earhart's haircut and approximate body type sits on the dock, facing away from the camera, Henry points out.

— amy b. wang, chicagotribune.com, "Newly unearthed photo shows Amelia Earhart survived her final flight, investigators say," 5 July 2017
Approximate retail value of all the prizes is $1,440.

— courant.com, "Reader Appreciation Sweepstakes: Enter to Win 4 Tickets and Buffet Dinner to the Hartford Yard Goats," 4 July 2017
For instance, a 2016 analysis by The New York Times of the academy’s acting branch showed that about 80 actors would need to be admitted a year, and three women for every man, to reach approximate gender parity by 2020.

— brooks barnes, New York Times, "Oscars Voting Pool Expands, With Female and Minority Membership Expected to Rise," 28 June 2017
With rookie shortstop JT Riddle settling into an everyday role for the Marlins, the slick-fielding Hechavarria -- and the approximate $2.35 million still owed to him this season -- became expendable.

— clark spencer, miamiherald, "Marlins trade Hechavarria to Rays for prospects," 26 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'approximate.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of approximate

Late Latin approximatus, past participle of approximare to come near, from Latin ad- + proximare to come near — more at proximate

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 15th century

See Words from the same year

approximate Synonyms

Synonyms

almost, comparative, near, relative

Antonyms

absolute, complete, downright, out-and-out, outright, perfect, pure, unqualified

Related Words

alike, comparable, similar; equal, equivalent

Near Antonyms

genuine, real, true

approximate

verb ap·prox·i·mate \ -ˌmāt \

Definition of approximate

approximated; approximating

transitive verb

1 :to come near to or be close to (something)

a reproduction that approximates the original

2 a :to bring near or close

b :to bring (cut edges of tissue) together

intransitive verb

chiefly British :to come close —usually used with to

… the pigments on a palette can only approximate to the limitless range of colour in nature.
—The Illustrated Dictionary of Art Terms

See approximate defined for English-language learners

Examples of approximate in a Sentence

I've finally found a vegetarian burger that approximates the taste of real beef.
The colors in the pictures can only approximate the real thing.
an Australian who can approximate a strong New York City accent

Recent Examples of approximate from the Web

In terms of coverage, the tension compact approximates a medium-coverage foundation.

— ashley weatherford, The Cut, "The Best Foundation for Summer Comes Inside a Weird Cheesecloth," 17 July 2017
Previously, the best financial forecasts of climate change approximated damages for the entire country at once.

— robinson meyer, The Atlantic, "The American South Will Bear the Worst of Climate Change’s Costs," 29 June 2017
No reporter has done so yet, though CNN has begun combining audio recordings of Spicer’s answers with still photos to approximate the experience.

— christian holub, EW.com, "White House reporters criticize Sean Spicer after press briefing again held off-camera," 26 June 2017
Heat-not-burn devices are said to approximate the taste and nicotine intake of traditional cigarettes better than e-cigarettes.

— lisa du, Bloomberg.com, "Fight for New Cigarette Substitute Heats Up Japan: QuickTake Q&A," 25 June 2017
The data is weighted to approximate a target sample of U.S. adults based on a number of factors including age, ethnicity, gender, education, and region.

— aric jenkins, Fortune, "Uber Customers Who Quit Over Bad Publicity Will Likely Return With Travis Kalanick Gone," 22 June 2017
The prince can be fiercely protective of Meghan—and of their ability to have something approximating an ordinary relationship.

— angela levin, Newsweek, "Exclusive: Prince Harry on Chaos After Diana's Death and Why the World Needs 'the Magic' of the Royal Family," 21 June 2017
Carrot coconut cake Serves 4 There’s not much of a rise in this cake, but its texture does approximate that of a baked carrot cake with a moist, dense crumb.

— bonnie s. benwick, sacbee.com, "Cooking good food fast is key for Ramadan," 30 May 2017
The cochon de lait approximated the whole-roasted suckling pig of rural Louisiana tradition; at Zydeque, it's really pulled pork with a Cajun accent, its edges darkened with a spice-rub developed by Paul Prudhomme's seasoning operation.

— brett anderson, NOLA.com, "The future of New Orleans barbecue arrived in 2004," 23 May 2017

Origin and Etymology of approximate

see ¹approximate

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 15th century

See Words from the same year

approximate Synonyms

Synonyms

approach, compare (with), measure up (to), stack up (against or with), hold a candle to

Related Words

add up (to), amount (to), come (to); duplicate, equal, match; mirror, parallel, reflect; border (on), touch (on), verge (on)

APPROXIMATE Defined for English Language Learners

approximate

verb

Definition of approximate for English Language Learners

: to be very similar to but not exactly like (something) ( chiefly Brit )
: to do or make a thing that is very similar to but not exactly like (something)
: to calculate the almost exact value or position of (something)

APPROXIMATE Defined for Kids

approximate

adjective ap·prox·i·mate \ ə-ˈpräk-sə-mət \

Definition of approximate for Students

:nearly correct or exact

the approximate cost

—

approximately

adverb

approximate

verb ap·prox·i·mate \ ə-ˈpräk-sə-ˌmāt \

Definition of approximate for Students

approximated; approximating

:to come near in position, value, or characteristics :approach

approximating the distance

He tried to approximate the singer's style.

Medical Dictionary

approximate

adjective ap·prox·i·mate \ ə-ˈpräk-sə-mət \

medical Definition of approximate

:located close together

approximate

transitive verb ap·prox·i·mate \ -ˌmāt \

medical Definition of approximate

approximated; approximating

:to bring together

approximate cut edges of tissue

—

approximation

play \ə-ˌpräk-sə-ˈmā-shən\ noun

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See words that rhyme with approximate Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for approximate Spanish Central: Translation of approximate Nglish: Translation of approximate for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of approximate for Arabic speakers

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approximate

Definition of approximate

approximately

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Examples of approximate in a Sentence

Recent Examples of approximate from the Web

Origin and Etymology of approximate

approximate Synonyms

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Words

Near Antonyms

approximate

Definition of approximate

Examples of approximate in a Sentence

Recent Examples of approximate from the Web

Origin and Etymology of approximate

approximate Synonyms

Synonyms

Related Words

APPROXIMATE Defined for English Language Learners

approximate

Definition of approximate for English Language Learners

APPROXIMATE Defined for Kids

approximate

Definition of approximate for Students

approximately

approximate

Definition of approximate for Students

Medical Dictionary

approximate

medical Definition of approximate

approximate

medical Definition of approximate

approximation

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