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

The trade-off is precision and tooling maturity, so this suits tasks that can tolerate approximation more than ones needing bit-exact results. — David Schie, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026

The new theories were also approximations, because tracking the motion of every last atom is impossible. — Charlie Wood, Quanta Magazine, 17 Aug. 2026

These approximations reduce simulation complexity while retaining important actuator dynamics. — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 12 Aug. 2026

This season, Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D’Arcy), the show’s closest approximation of a hero, finally claims the Iron Throne, many years after having been named heir to it, controversially, by her father, King Viserys I (Paddy Considine), in Season 1. — Sarah Larson, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026

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