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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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
  • His argument reflects lessons from Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, where unmanned systems have become central to reconnaissance, targeting and battlefield operations.
    — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 11 Oct. 2026
  • Today, the customer base reflects the diversity of the surrounding neighborhood, with shoppers of all backgrounds stopping in for specialty products, custom cuts and prepared foods.
    — Sara Rosenthal, Denver Post, 11 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • But while the technical ambition is evident, the storytelling rarely matches it … even Chastain’s considerable talents can only do so much with material that doesn’t offer her character enough depth beyond her unsettling appearance.
    — James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 8 Oct. 2026
  • That matches their longest streak since Babe Ruth led baseball’s winningest franchise to its first World Series title in 1923.
    — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 8 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Furthermore, a 3 million metric ton diesel export volume approaches Russia's historical total monthly diesel exports.
    — , CNBC, 12 Oct. 2026
  • But there are ways to reduce risk if a shark approaches, scientists advise on the project website.
    — Natasha Holt, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Approximates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/approximates. Accessed 13 Oct. 2026.

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