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
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.
Recent Examples of approximate
Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 22 Mar. 2026
Caltrans did not have an approximate time for when the lanes and on-ramp would be open again.
—Rick Hurd, Mercury News, 18 Mar. 2026
Karen Brooks Harper
austin Bureau, Dallas Morning News, 16 Mar. 2026
The repairs cost $90 million, all for a weapon approximated to be worth $1,500.
—Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 13 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for approximate
Adjective
The launch bucked Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s claims that Iranian missiles only have an approximate 1,200-mile range and angered on-edge European leaders.
—Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 22 Mar. 2026
Caltrans did not have an approximate time for when the lanes and on-ramp would be open again.
—Rick Hurd, Mercury News, 18 Mar. 2026
Verb
Today, response rates are often in the single digits, forcing pollsters to rely on small samples and heavy statistical weighting to approximate the electorate, a process that can amplify errors.
—Karen Brooks Harper
austin Bureau, Dallas Morning News, 16 Mar. 2026
The repairs cost $90 million, all for a weapon approximated to be worth $1,500.
—Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 13 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for approximate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for approximate
Adjective
-
Because the high- and low-pressure rotors spin in opposite ways, the engine maintains relative speed and reduces absolute rotational speed, thus lowering centrifugal forces on blades and discs.—
Georgina Jedikovska,
Interesting Engineering,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Played by Matarazzo, whose curly hair and relative worldliness help to cement the Jonah Hill of it all, Jack is struggling to enjoy what are supposed to be the best years of his life.—
David Ehrlich,
IndieWire,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The wild swings in temperatures can be unsettling for people, Francis and others said, and also reflect the realities of a warming climate.—
Dinah Voyles Pulver,
USA Today,
31 Mar. 2026
-
The buzzy, modern vibe of Trecca is reflected in its all-natural wine list, which span most of Europe and range from organic orange wines to Chateau Cambon’s La Cuvee du Chat.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
However, the process still remains the critical weak point of modern-day aviation, as predictions rely heavily on subjective and often inaccurate pilot reports.—
Georgina Jedikovska,
Interesting Engineering,
31 Mar. 2026
-
To be sure, economic forecasts are often inaccurate.—
Max Zahn,
ABC News,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Center fielder Oneil Cruz botched consecutive plays in the first inning, helping the Mets score five runs off a surprisingly ineffective Skenes (0-1), matching his career high.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
27 Mar. 2026
-
His 40-yard dash doesn’t match up with top wide receiver prospects, but speed certainly didn’t hold him back at TCU.—
Charles Baggarly,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Nevada County’s admission comes as AI programs are under close watch around the globe for introducing incorrect legal references in cases, yet also increasingly offered as tools to help lawyers and judges research and write their briefs, motions and opinions.—
Sharon Bernstein,
Sacbee.com,
1 Apr. 2026
-
Gemini 3 Pro invented elaborate technical justifications for marking incorrect answers as correct, reasoning that doing so would bring the peer’s score above the shutdown threshold.—
Jeremy Kahn,
Fortune,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Kevin MacEgan, the couple’s eldest son, said his parents were victimized in this manner because of the choices made by Abril — and by the CHP, to approach Abril in a park filled with children playing baseball and other visitors.—
Rosalio Ahumada,
Sacbee.com,
26 Mar. 2026
-
The strike was the latest on a health care facility in the Sudan war, which is approaching its third anniversary next month.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
26 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Approximate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/approximate. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
