1
as in relative
being such only when compared to something else
the movie's an approximate success, if you can overlook the overblown publicity that preceded it
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in approximative
not precisely correct
police could only give us an approximate count of the number of people who attended the air show
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to reflect
to come near or nearer to in character or quality
Rob's violin performance last night didn't even approximate what he's really capable of when he's not feeling sick
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of approximate
Ana Ceballos, Miami Herald, 25 June 2025
Our always-online smartphones then report the approximate location of that signal, and with enough reports, the owner can pinpoint the tag.
—ArsTechnica, 25 June 2025
Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 19 June 2025
Still, trying to approximate Carroll’s power potential is a fascinating exercise.
—Doug Haller, New York Times, 17 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for approximate
Adjective
The idea is to have up to 5,000 beds in Florida, at a total approximate cost of $450 million a year.
—Ana Ceballos, Miami Herald, 25 June 2025
Our always-online smartphones then report the approximate location of that signal, and with enough reports, the owner can pinpoint the tag.
—ArsTechnica, 25 June 2025
Verb
Visitors can follow segments of the original trail on public lands and approximate other sections by following the trail’s Auto Tour Routes.
—Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 19 June 2025
Still, trying to approximate Carroll’s power potential is a fascinating exercise.
—Doug Haller, New York Times, 17 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for approximate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for approximate
Adjective
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The Metals Company is a relative newcomer to the mining industry.—
Daniel Ackerman,
NPR,
30 June 2025
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But in some regards, their presence will serve the same purpose, just on a relative basis.—
Jon Wilner,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
30 June 2025
Verb
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The organization reflected a pattern in this new generation of filmmakers in the Central American country, largely comprised of women, with many telling stories focused on issues of womanhood and, most specifically, being a woman in Costa Rica today.—
Rafa Sales Ross,
Variety,
1 July 2025
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Photos posted to the Facebook and Instagram accounts of Roley's mother and stepfather, reviewed by ABC News, reflect that familiarity with firearms.—
Mike Levine,
ABC News,
1 July 2025
Adjective
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Along with his father and grandfather, Bambino gets to work sweeping up the stars in a cute, but wildly inaccurate, explanation for the phases of the Moon.—
Richard Edwards,
Space.com,
20 June 2025
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Cambodia has been using the map as a reference to claim territory, while Thailand has argued the map is inaccurate.—
Sopheng Cheang,
Los Angeles Times,
18 June 2025
Verb
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Dayana Yastremska of Ukraine shakes hands with Coco Gauff of the U.S. after winning the first round women's singles match at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London, Tuesday, July 1, 2025.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
1 July 2025
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This season, the brand stuck to the classics: silk lounge sets were paired with black one-pieces, and bikinis were matched with flowy skirts and pants.—
Alyssa Hardy,
Vogue,
1 July 2025
Adjective
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Consider a car engine: Removing deposits and sludge (inaccurate, outdated, irrelevant and incorrect information) reduces friction, while clean oil (large language models and AI) ensures smooth performance.—
Savinay Berry,
Forbes.com,
26 June 2025
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Belief in other scientifically incorrect claims can be extremely dangerous.—
Mark Boslough,
Scientific American,
25 June 2025
Verb
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The accident comes as the gallery approaches its 10-year anniversary season of celebration, kicking off in August with its annual Fashion Meets Art event and culminating Oct. 10.—
Racquel Bazos,
Baltimore Sun,
30 June 2025
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The Dallas Cowboys are less than a month away from departing for Oxnard, Calif., for training camp, as the Brian Schottenheimer era approaches its official beginning on July 21.—
Nick Harris,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
30 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Approximate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/approximate. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.
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