Definition of approximatenext
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
Adjective
These counties had the lowest approximate average prices, according to AAA. — Jenny Porter Tilley, Louisville Courier Journal, 18 Sep. 2026 The product line includes the SPICE 2000, SPICE 1000 and SPICE 250, with the numbers referring to their approximate weapon weight in pounds. — Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 16 Sep. 2026
Verb
If Ambrosio’s ring is a high-quality natural diamond, Rakholia approximates that it would be valued somewhere between $2,800,000 to $5,100,000 depending on factors like cut and clarity. — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 12 Aug. 2026 For good measure, the pre-show lighting even approximated the New York Knicks’ familiar blue and orange color scheme. — Jonathan Cohen, SPIN, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for approximate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for approximate
Adjective
  • Resistance sits at $562 and then $602, just below our $615 upside target The stock carries a relative strength score of 10 out of 10 versus the S & P 500 and has outperformed the index over the past month.
    — Tony Zhang, CNBC, 30 Sep. 2026
  • But some of the artists who did take the stage to play their current singles on Sunday did see some surges in streaming interest following the VMAs, perhaps standing out even more due to the relative paucity of performers.
    — Andrew Unterberger, Billboard, 30 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Markings depicted on an image of a Kalinga warrior from an indigenous group in the Philippines were inaccurate and none of the artists involved in creating the mural identified as Asian, Asian American or Pacific Islander.
    — Tania Azhang, Sacbee.com, 3 Oct. 2026
  • These limitations could easily produce an analysis that is misleading or inaccurate.
    — Euan Ashley, STAT, 1 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Even our original logo reflected that idea, with each letter of Skydance representing a planet revolving around the sun.
    — Angelique Jackson, Variety, 2 Oct. 2026
  • What readers are saying The comments reflect a wide range of opinions on the use of AI, particularly Google's AI, in search results.
    — Rob Pegoraro, Washington Post, 2 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The appropriate level of human involvement depends on financial exposure, customer impact, regulatory requirements, security implications, reversibility and the consequences of an incorrect decision.
    — Jayasri Ranganathan, Forbes.com, 29 Sep. 2026
  • But predictions that the Islamic Republic would collapse proved incorrect.
    — Ali Vaez, Foreign Affairs, 29 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • There’s nothing that can match its drama in AlUla, or anywhere else, for that matter.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • But national data doesn’t always match local realities, and not everyone agrees with Redfin’s assessment.
    — Bilin Lin, Fortune, 6 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • China’s leading firms are still just approaching top US labs in capabilities, partly explaining their lack of transparency.
    — Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 2 Oct. 2026
  • The researchers plan to use this feature to develop non-line-of-sight communication approaches with their far UVC LEDs.
    — Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 1 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Approximate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/approximate. Accessed 7 Oct. 2026.

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