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
Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 7 Feb. 2026
The technique is used to obtain approximate solutions to complex engineering and mathematical problems.
—IEEE Spectrum, 4 Feb. 2026
Olivia Giovetti, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
To make these models, scientists must approximate—essentially make a good guess of—a lot of the physics of the atmosphere.
—Andrea Thompson, Scientific American, 23 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for approximate
Adjective
Investigators allege that Kapoor and Lillaney generated a approximate total of $3 million in profits during the scheme, according to the indictment.
—Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 7 Feb. 2026
The technique is used to obtain approximate solutions to complex engineering and mathematical problems.
—IEEE Spectrum, 4 Feb. 2026
Verb
Similarly, George Crumb’s 1970 Black Angels, composed in response to the Vietnam War, includes jagged marks that approximate the sound of helicopters.
—Olivia Giovetti, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
To make these models, scientists must approximate—essentially make a good guess of—a lot of the physics of the atmosphere.
—Andrea Thompson, Scientific American, 23 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for approximate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for approximate
Adjective
-
The case’s top count is attempted murder, but the relative culpability of each defendant is in question by their defense attorneys and could be a focus of the trial, which is expected to take about two and a half weeks.—
Emerson Clarridge
Updated February 17,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
18 Feb. 2026
-
After that, there’s pressure to deliver relative immediate results such as what recently transpired in Seattle, New England, Chicago and Denver.—
Chris Perkins,
Sun Sentinel,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
His films, to an extent, reflected that transatlantic residency in their freshness of perspective.—
Kevin Crust,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Feb. 2026
-
These unheralded accomplishments reflect why Robert Isom was picked as the successor to his legendary predecessor, Doug Parker, in the first place.—
Jeffrey Sonnenfeld,
Fortune,
16 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Asked about now-unavailable data and information, a spokesman for Kennedy said the premise of the Associated Press’ inquiry was flawed and relied on selective and inaccurate characterizations.—
Mike Stobbe,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Feb. 2026
-
Heathcliff, too, benefits from some delightfully inaccurate outfitting.—
Madeline Hirsch,
InStyle,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
However, the World Cup presents an additional challenge the Super Bowl didn’t quite match in scale.—
Cierra Morgan,
Los Angeles Times,
20 Feb. 2026
-
But, a glove found about two miles from the house appeared to visually match the ones worn by the suspect, according to the FBI.—
Chelsea Bailey,
CNN Money,
20 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The defendants argued that Rashada had provided an incorrect retelling of events and maintained there was no deal.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
18 Feb. 2026
-
An earlier version of this story had an incorrect spelling for the last name of Russ Hamilton.—
Miriam Fauzia,
Dallas Morning News,
18 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The grainy video shows a man in a ski mask approaching Guthrie’s front door and attempting to cover her doorbell camera with a gloved hand.—
Chelsea Bailey,
CNN Money,
20 Feb. 2026
-
Instead of approaching concept artists with vague direction, Rune Entertainment’s process is structured to deliver precise briefs rooted in narrative intent and visual logic.—
Daniel Fusch,
USA Today,
19 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Approximate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/approximate. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
