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
Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 29 Jan. 2026
Leaders should be able to distinguish between variables that reflect actual capability and those that merely approximate familiarity or past privilege.
—Sheila Callaham, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 23 Jan. 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
See All Example Sentences for approximate
Adjective
Tensor network methods reduce this complexity by breaking large tensors into smaller, connected pieces, allowing classical computers to approximate quantum states, albeit with some loss of precision.
—Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 29 Jan. 2026
Leaders should be able to distinguish between variables that reflect actual capability and those that merely approximate familiarity or past privilege.
—Sheila Callaham, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Verb
Defensive moxie Unlike Butler’s offensive talents, which could be approximated by Melton, Kuminga and more shotmaking by Curry, Butler’s versatile defense cannot be replicated by just one player.
—Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 23 Jan. 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
See All Example Sentences for approximate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for approximate
Adjective
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Emma Schubart, a research fellow at the Henry Jackson Society, warned that specialized NHS outreach risks normalizing close-relative relationships.—
Michael Dorgan,
FOXNews.com,
10 Feb. 2026
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This would be an unprecedented change in Oakland, where critics say the mayor’s relative lack of legislative authority has driven divisions in the local government, including political fights and budget standoffs.—
Shomik Mukherjee,
Mercury News,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
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In his op-ed reflecting on the texts, the secretary takes to task the Westminster establishment that allowed Mandelson’s selection, but also waxes philosophical about sexism, diversity, and inclusion.—
Timothy Nerozzi,
The Washington Examiner,
10 Feb. 2026
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Teddi Mellencamp reflected on her cancer journey one year after she was hospitalized and required emergency brain surgery.—
Tracy Wright,
FOXNews.com,
10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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If inaccurate or misleading information is introduced to a Wikipedia article, however, it can easily be challenged in the article’s associated discussion page, where edit histories are logged.—
Imogen West-Knights,
The Dial,
10 Feb. 2026
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Notably, the Fidelity Investments Charitable Gift Fund claimed on its tax forms to have only transferred funds to 501(c)(3) organizations, a statement that critics say appears to be inaccurate given its transfer to the 501(c)(4) Bright Future Fund.—
Robert Schmad,
The Washington Examiner,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
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According to the researchers, even a few kilometers of difference allows interior models of Jupiter to better match both gravity data and atmospheric observations.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
5 Feb. 2026
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Heading into 2026 the Red Sox look capable of at least matching last year’s club, which finished third in the AL East, made the playoffs and lost to the New York Yankees in the AL Wild Card Series.—
Mac Cerullo,
Boston Herald,
5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Some will always believe their placement incorrect.—
Eric Sondheimer,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Feb. 2026
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Both parties claim problems such as invalid signatures and missing or incorrect voter information on petitions that judicial candidates submit to secure a place on the ballot.—
Kamal Morgan,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
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As Farthing was assisting in traffic control, a man approached him from behind and stabbed him in the back, sheriff's office spokesperson Kim Peters said in a news release.—
Matthew Cupelli,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
6 Feb. 2026
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And now, as the Super Bowl approaches, that pride is about to reach an even bigger stage.—
Jennifer A. Marcial Ocasio,
The Orlando Sentinel,
5 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Approximate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/approximate. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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