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

In settings such as factories, power grids, or medical device manufacturing, AI must be precise and reliable with no room for approximation. —Sarwant Singh, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026

This timeline is meant to give you an approximation of what will be on the ground (and on the roads) as the storm progresses. —Terry Eliasen, CBS News, 23 Jan. 2026

The latter locks the gearbox into lower ratios (provided you don’t exceed its 25-mph cap), delivering an approximation of the gear-down effect offered by a two-speed transfer case. —Byron Hurd, The Drive, 22 Jan. 2026

Deadline previously used Nielsen’s available data to determine some rough approximations on Season 2’s premiere week performance, which indicated that the series is likely down versus Season 1 — at least for now. —Katie Campione, Deadline, 21 Jan. 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