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

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 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 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for approximates
Verb
  • The six-machine launch reflects the company’s wider attempt to develop into a more comprehensive supplier of semiconductor manufacturing equipment rather than remaining focused on a single part of the fabrication process.
    Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 7 Sep. 2026
  • The interest, in part, reflects the broader peptide-craze that has increasingly entered the mainstream wellness and longevity space.
    Will Stone, NPR, 7 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Alastair Stout will play Harry’s best friend Ronald Weasley, and Arabella Stanton will round out the classic trio of heroes as bookworm Hermione Granger, who matches the courage of the previous two Gryffindors.
    Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Besides a wide-field infrared camera that matches Hubble’s sensitivity but is 1,000 times faster, Roman holds an instrument to block out starlight.
    Marcia Dunn, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Residents and visitors have been urged to closely monitor the weather and the watches or warnings as Lowell approaches the islands, the hurricane center said.
    Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 8 Sep. 2026
  • The attack on mail ballots comes as Germany approaches a potentially historic state election that could shatter one of the taboos of its postwar political order by opening the door to a far-right government.
    Erik Kirschbaum, Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Approximates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/approximates. Accessed 8 Sep. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!