1
as in relative
being such only when compared to something else
the movie's an approximate success, if you can overlook the overblown publicity that preceded it
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in approximative
not precisely correct
police could only give us an approximate count of the number of people who attended the air show
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to reflect
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of approximate
Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 22 Mar. 2026
Caltrans did not have an approximate time for when the lanes and on-ramp would be open again.
—Rick Hurd, Mercury News, 18 Mar. 2026
Emily Saladino, Bon Appetit Magazine, 20 Mar. 2026
Exterior scenes for Love Story were filmed at the actual building, while interiors were recreated on soundstages using archival photographs and real estate listings to approximate the loft’s minimalist design.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 20 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for approximate
Adjective
The launch bucked Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s claims that Iranian missiles only have an approximate 1,200-mile range and angered on-edge European leaders.
—Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 22 Mar. 2026
Caltrans did not have an approximate time for when the lanes and on-ramp would be open again.
—Rick Hurd, Mercury News, 18 Mar. 2026
Verb
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
Exterior scenes for Love Story were filmed at the actual building, while interiors were recreated on soundstages using archival photographs and real estate listings to approximate the loft’s minimalist design.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 20 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for approximate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for approximate
Adjective
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Because the high- and low-pressure rotors spin in opposite ways, the engine maintains relative speed and reduces absolute rotational speed, thus lowering centrifugal forces on blades and discs.—
Georgina Jedikovska,
Interesting Engineering,
31 Mar. 2026
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Played by Matarazzo, whose curly hair and relative worldliness help to cement the Jonah Hill of it all, Jack is struggling to enjoy what are supposed to be the best years of his life.—
David Ehrlich,
IndieWire,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The wild swings in temperatures can be unsettling for people, Francis and others said, and also reflect the realities of a warming climate.—
Dinah Voyles Pulver,
USA Today,
31 Mar. 2026
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The buzzy, modern vibe of Trecca is reflected in its all-natural wine list, which span most of Europe and range from organic orange wines to Chateau Cambon’s La Cuvee du Chat.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
However, the process still remains the critical weak point of modern-day aviation, as predictions rely heavily on subjective and often inaccurate pilot reports.—
Georgina Jedikovska,
Interesting Engineering,
31 Mar. 2026
-
To be sure, economic forecasts are often inaccurate.—
Max Zahn,
ABC News,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Edmonton matched Pacific Division-leading Anaheim with 87 points, but has played one more game than the Ducks.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
3 Apr. 2026
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This approach helps planners match conservation strategies to each setting, or transect zone – urban, suburban, seminatural, such as parks and golf courses, and core habitat, or undisturbed areas.—
Eve Bohnett,
The Conversation,
2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Nevada County’s admission comes as AI programs are under close watch around the globe for introducing incorrect legal references in cases, yet also increasingly offered as tools to help lawyers and judges research and write their briefs, motions and opinions.—
Sharon Bernstein,
Sacbee.com,
1 Apr. 2026
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Gemini 3 Pro invented elaborate technical justifications for marking incorrect answers as correct, reasoning that doing so would bring the peer’s score above the shutdown threshold.—
Jeremy Kahn,
Fortune,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
By Easter Sunday, another cold front will approach the region with a line of showers and storms developing ahead of it.—
Bill Kelly,
CBS News,
3 Apr. 2026
-
Do not approach water, wet objects, or metal items.—
STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
2 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Approximate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/approximate. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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