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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Its suitability to our climate stems from its origin in the South African Cape Floristic Province, whose climate approximates our own, except our summers are a bit hotter.
—
Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 6 Mar. 2026
His new deal approximates the five-year contracts Kyle Schwarber and Alex Bregman received from the Phillies and Cubs, respectively.
—Dan Schlossberg, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026
Rather, the league will enter a period of status quo that approximates normal working conditions.
—Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2026
The following map approximates locations based on Newsweek's review of publicly available sources.
—Nick Mordowanec
john Feng, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Aug. 2025
The device is built around a stream of liquid that approximates the flow of blood and minimizes harmful shear forces on cells.
—IEEE Spectrum, 7 June 2019
Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 6 Mar. 2026
His new deal approximates the five-year contracts Kyle Schwarber and Alex Bregman received from the Phillies and Cubs, respectively.
—Dan Schlossberg, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026
Rather, the league will enter a period of status quo that approximates normal working conditions.
—Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2026
The following map approximates locations based on Newsweek's review of publicly available sources.
—Nick Mordowanec
john Feng, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Aug. 2025
The device is built around a stream of liquid that approximates the flow of blood and minimizes harmful shear forces on cells.
—IEEE Spectrum, 7 June 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for approximates
Verb
-
At Jots, the Short Rib with Parsnip Purée alone is worth booking a reservation—a dish that reflects the care behind the kitchen.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
4 Mar. 2026
-
The snow water equivalent — which reflects how much water the snow contains — was 11 inches, or just 47% of average for that location, according to the state department.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
3 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
There are multiple social media accounts on several platforms with a username that matches the gunman's name.—
Anna Schecter,
CBS News,
3 Mar. 2026
-
Willard had also marveled on Saturday night that Pitino, 73, found a player who matches his intensity in senior forward/center Zuby Ejiofor.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
1 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
As totality approaches and the moon dims, binoculars will reveal variations in color and texture.—
Jamie Carter,
Space.com,
2 Mar. 2026
-
Still, critics argue the retraction underscores the need for careful reexamination as the agency approaches a 2026 deadline to review glyphosate’s safety.—
Emily Kay Votruba,
EverydayHealth.com,
2 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Approximates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/approximates. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
