Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

Thesaurus

approximate

adjective

Synonyms and Antonyms of approximate

1 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 of approximate

almost, comparative, near, relative
Words Related to approximate

alike, comparable, similar

equal, equivalent
Near Antonyms of approximate

genuine, real, true
Antonyms of approximate

absolute, complete, downright, out-and-out, outright, perfect, pure, unqualified
2 not precisely correct
  • Police could only give us an approximate count of the number of people who attended the air show.
Synonyms of approximate

approximative, ballpark, imprecise, inaccurate, inexact, loose
Words Related to approximate

erroneous, false, incorrect, off, wrong

general, indefinable, indefinite, indeterminate, indistinct, undefined, undetermined, unsettled, vague

faulty, flawed, mistaken

specious

distorted, fallacious, misleading

doubtful, dubious, questionable, uncertain

inconclusive, indecisive

debatable, disputable

unconfirmed, unsubstantiated, unsupported
Near Antonyms of approximate

certain, incontestable, indubitable, positive, sure, undeniable, unquestionable

correct, errorless, factual, right, sound, true, valid

clear-cut, decisive, definable, defined, definite

incontrovertible, indisputable, irrefutable

absolute, unqualified

confirmed, corroborated, determined, established, substantiated, supported, validated
Antonyms of approximate

accurate, dead, dead-on, exact, precise, ultraprecise, veracious

approximate

verb

Synonyms and Antonyms of approximate

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 of approximate

approach, compare (with), measure up (to), stack up (against or with)
Words Related to approximate

add up (to), amount (to), come (to)

duplicate, equal, match

mirror, parallel, reflect

border (on), touch (on), verge (on)
Phrases Synonymous with approximate

hold a candle to

Learn More about approximate

  1. See words that rhyme with approximate Dictionary: Definition of approximate Medical Dictionary: Definition of approximate Spanish Central: Translation of approximate Nglish: Translation of approximate for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of approximate for Arabic speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up approximate? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games