as in equivalent
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as in approaching
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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of approximating
Drew Kann, AJC.com, 12 Jan. 2026
The ideal scenario would see Wiggins approximating what Horton did this year, but that was a unique case of elite talent aligning with opportunity and player development.
—Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
Each module covered a 36° segment of the ring, approximating the continuous boundary predicted by theory.
—Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 14 Dec. 2025
Reminiscent of Polanski’s Repulsion in its nightmarish depiction of an unraveling mind, Vicious, which was initially slated for a theatrical release but is instead streaming on Paramount+, doesn’t come close to approximating its greatness.
—Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 10 Oct. 2025
For decades, physicists have attempted to do so by approximating the quantum field as a discrete lattice of points.
—Shalma Wegsman, Quanta Magazine, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
In the others, researchers cranked up the heat in greenhouses, approximating the effects of global warming.
—Drew Kann, AJC.com, 12 Jan. 2026
The ideal scenario would see Wiggins approximating what Horton did this year, but that was a unique case of elite talent aligning with opportunity and player development.
—Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
Each module covered a 36° segment of the ring, approximating the continuous boundary predicted by theory.
—Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 14 Dec. 2025
Reminiscent of Polanski’s Repulsion in its nightmarish depiction of an unraveling mind, Vicious, which was initially slated for a theatrical release but is instead streaming on Paramount+, doesn’t come close to approximating its greatness.
—Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 10 Oct. 2025
For decades, physicists have attempted to do so by approximating the quantum field as a discrete lattice of points.
—Shalma Wegsman, Quanta Magazine, 5 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for approximating
Adjective
-
My research explores how well-meaning, but draconian, efforts to correct the abusive opioid prescription promotion practices of drug companies were followed by a nationwide explosion of overdoses from illicit opioids, again in the absence of equivalent efforts to make opioid treatment available.—
Charles LeBaron,
Time,
13 Jan. 2026
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In Syria, an equivalent system existed under the Assad dynasty, in which rural Alawites (a heterodox sect that emerged from Shiism) dominated the security agencies that policed a Sunni majority.—
Elizabeth Tsurkov,
The Atlantic,
11 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Footage of the incidents show agents swarming vehicles, smashing windows and trying to pry open car doors within seconds of approaching drivers.—
Christopher Cann,
USA Today,
16 Jan. 2026
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The emergency protocol was alerted when Flight 1853 was already approaching its intended designation at Barcelona-El Prat Airport from Istanbul.—
Bonny Chu,
FOXNews.com,
16 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Unlike 1979, when much of the clergy united behind Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini against the Shah, today’s clerical establishment has no comparable unanimity.—
Narges Bajoghli,
Time,
13 Jan. 2026
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By brand, comparable sales for the eight weeks versus the same year-ago quarter saw its Journeys Group gain 12 percent.—
Vicki M. Young,
Footwear News,
12 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Inside the light-reflecting anodized aluminum facade, viewers will find historic images, video testimonials from descendants of the Seduva shtetl, cinematic reenactments and historical objects.—
Leslie Katz,
Forbes.com,
21 Jan. 2026
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New patterns, colors and fabrics have defined its evolution, often reflecting new fashion trends, social and economic change.—
Kristina Kukolja,
NPR,
21 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Michael Levin, a researcher at Tufts University, has blocked cell channels to manipulate the membrane potentials of developing worm embryos, causing genetically identical worms to develop different body plans.—
Elise Cutts,
Quanta Magazine,
12 Jan. 2026
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Then another in the same increment in October and a third one by an identical amount in December.—
Matt Richardson,
CBS News,
12 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Style them with a comfortable long-sleeve shirt or your best lived-in hoodie, or create your own loungewear set by adding Spanx’s matching Half Zip, Turtleneck, or Crewneck Tunic.—
Caley Sturgill,
Southern Living,
16 Jan. 2026
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Away from the cameras, Matt and Luciana have remained committed to their decades-long romance, including seeing each other in the middle of projects, attending red carpet events and getting matching tattoos.—
Jessica Booth,
PEOPLE,
16 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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The story positions the protagonist’s work as analogous to nurturing a child.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
9 Jan. 2026
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The international sphere faces analogous pressures.—
Klaus Schwab,
Time,
5 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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As a result, Noel said, Haiti is often treated less as an equal partner in regional integration than as a vehicle through which CARICOM can project influence internationally.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
13 Jan. 2026
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The show is equal parts investigation into the craft of writing and conversation about the topics of an author’s work.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
12 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Approximating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/approximating. Accessed 23 Jan. 2026.
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