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

Awareness is always a beat too late — our minds stitching together a rough approximation of what exactly happened. —Big Think, 20 Aug. 2025

As Bitcoin either forces the world back on to classical money or becomes the approximation of classical money itself, dispatching fiat to the ash-bin of history, the demand for hedges against the whole currency system will fall. —Brian Domitrovic, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2025

In those instances, researchers analyzed the number of clinics in a specific country in order to determine that nation's approximation of IVF births. —De Elizabeth, Parents, 7 Aug. 2025

While 110 students from around the world went to work on complex math problems using pen and paper, several AI companies quietly tested new models in development on a computerized approximation of the exam. —Emily Riehl, Scientific American, 7 Aug. 2025

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