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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Recent Examples of approximates
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
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
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
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for approximates
Verb
-
Justin Wymer reflects on an unsettling family reunion.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 June 2026
-
This is a luxury resort, and the service reflects this.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
Verb
-
Cities across India observe Holi, but the energy and crowd size vary significantly by region, so travelers should research which destination matches their tolerance for intensity before booking.—
Hanna Wickes,
Sacbee.com,
2 June 2026
-
The Portugal midfielder would join on a free transfer and is seen as one of those ‘market opportunities’ who also matches their playing philosophy.—
James McNicholas,
New York Times,
2 June 2026
Verb
-
One way to use that cap space is through accounting maneuvers designed to create more room in the future budget — like when quarterback Bo Nix approaches a massive second contract in 2027 or 2028.—
Nick Kosmider,
New York Times,
2 June 2026
-
Fans get to know actors, musicians and directors beyond surface level because Poehler approaches each conversation from a more personal perspective, instead of strictly professional.—
Tiney Ricciardi,
Denver Post,
1 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Approximates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/approximates. Accessed 9 Jun. 2026.
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