approximates

Definition of approximatesnext
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 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 The scene is presented with a color adjustment that approximates white balancing to resemble how the rocks and sand would appear under daytime lighting conditions on Earth. IEEE Spectrum, 9 Aug. 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for approximates
Verb
  • Atmos says the rise reflects better detection and faster repairs, not worsening conditions.
    Lexi Salazar, CBS News, 15 Apr. 2026
  • The shift reflects a broader change in how collectors and institutions approach works on paper, even if the market has been slower to catch up.
    Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 14 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Syna World’s logo is debossed onto the lateral heel in gold, which matches the tongue branding, lace dubrae and metal lace tips.
    Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 14 Apr. 2026
  • Nothing matches the Santa Lucia Highlands Gals for its unique combination of more than 40 stellar wineries pouring pinot noir, chardonnay and syrah, all from the Santa Lucia Highlands, and stellar chefs from the Monterey area.
    Laura Ness, Mercury News, 14 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The California governor’s race remains characterized by chaos and low voter engagement despite significant scandals and drama, with widespread indecision affecting both parties as election day approaches less than 50 days away.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 14 Apr. 2026
  • In ominous voiceover, Sam feels her bile rising as Hathaway’s Mary approaches after a decade-long estrangement.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 14 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Approximates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/approximates. Accessed 18 Apr. 2026.

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