approximates

present tense third-person singular of approximate
as in reflects
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

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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 approximates Catnip for film-geek conversation, but rarely does a movie arrive that approximates an answer. — Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 16 Sep. 2026 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 Others respond with something that better approximates a real argument. — Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 25 July 2026 Standard time most closely approximates natural light, with the Sun directly overhead at or near noon. — Beth Ann Malow, The Conversation, 21 July 2026 Lennox perfectly approximates Franklin’s confidence and repose on the cover of her latest album, Vacancy. — Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 7 May 2026 Forbes approximates that Jenner is worth $670 million. — Christopher Edwards, PEOPLE, 13 Apr. 2026 Some bakers find that adding lemon juice or vinegar to milk approximates buttermilk’s acidity adequately for their uses. — Emily Saladino, Bon Appetit Magazine, 20 Mar. 2026 Nordic Knots approximates the color scheme in their percale duvet cover but much more subtly. — Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 11 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for approximates
Verb
  • Its new rush for a deal with Washington, analysts said, reflects its eye on the midterms.
    — Cara Anna, Los Angeles Times, 26 Sep. 2026
  • The nation's constant refrain — stay out of our internal affairs — reflects its history of trying to secure the edges of the country that are distant from Beijing.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 26 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Its composition also matches the classical definition of the material class.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 26 Sep. 2026
  • The process can help confirm that the person operating the account matches the main profile photo.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 25 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Tania Khazaal, founder of The Renewal Collective, approaches family healing through communication and personal faith.
    — Ascend Agency, New York Daily News, 28 Sep. 2026
  • The episode approaches the tragedy through the experience of Capt.
    — Deirdre Durkan, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Approximates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/approximates. Accessed 29 Sep. 2026.

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