approximate

1 of 2

adjective

ap·​prox·​i·​mate ə-ˈpräk-sə-mət How to pronounce approximate (audio)
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

approximate

2 of 2

verb

ap·​prox·​i·​mate ə-ˈpräk-sə-ˌmāt How to pronounce approximate (audio)
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

Examples of approximate in a Sentence

Adjective This is the approximate location of the ancient city. Can you give me the approximate cost of the repair? Verb 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 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.
Adjective
The patient base has expanded to thousands of active patients, with an approximate ratio of 1250 patients per dentist. Alison Coleman, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025 Its approximate size is 80 feet. Toby Meyjes, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Aug. 2025
Verb
The following map approximates locations based on Newsweek's review of publicly available sources. Nick Mordowanec john Feng, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Aug. 2025 Research suggests that current AI systems, however sophisticated, can approximate but not embody these essentials. Michael Hudson, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for approximate

Word History

Etymology

Adjective and Verb

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

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of approximate was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Approximate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/approximate. Accessed 5 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

approximate

1 of 2 adjective
ap·​prox·​i·​mate ə-ˈpräk-sə-mət How to pronounce approximate (audio)
: nearly correct or exact
the approximate cost
approximate rhyme

approximate

2 of 2 verb
ap·​prox·​i·​mate ə-ˈpräk-sə-ˌmāt How to pronounce approximate (audio)
approximated; approximating
1
: to bring near or close
2
: to come near in position, value, or characteristics : approach
tried to approximate the singer's style

Medical Definition

approximate

1 of 2 adjective
ap·​prox·​i·​mate ə-ˈpräk-sə-mət How to pronounce approximate (audio)
: located close together

approximate

2 of 2 transitive verb
ap·​prox·​i·​mate -ˌmāt How to pronounce approximate (audio)
approximated; approximating
: to bring together
approximate cut edges of tissue
approximation noun

More from Merriam-Webster on approximate

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