approximately

adverb

ap·​prox·​i·​mate·​ly ə-ˈpräk-sə-mət-lē 

: 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.

Synonyms of approximately

• roughly
• about
• around

Examples of approximately in a Sentence

it takes approximately three hours to drive to Dallas

Recent Examples on the Web

Morgan Hall houses approximately 1,200 students and serves as a key residential hall for the school. —Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 20 Apr. 2026

Nearly 400 objects are expected to be shown, including approximately 200 garments and accessories and 200 paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts, according to The Met. —Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 20 Apr. 2026

The port says the reintroduction of cruising to Philadelphia is projected to generate 2,185 direct and indirect jobs and approximately $300 million in annual economic output throughout the state. —Christopher Edwards, PEOPLE, 20 Apr. 2026

The earthquake's epicenter was approximately 38 miles west of Petrolia and occurred at a depth of 8 miles. —Ca Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 20 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1742, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for approximately

• proximately

Kids Definition

approximately

adverb

ap·​prox·​i·​mate·​ly

-mət-lē

: reasonably close to

approximately 5 miles

at approximately six o'clock