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
Mark Davis, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025
This is the approximate price of a mission on Firefly Aerospace's Alpha rocket, the cheapest US launcher with the muscle to lift the PUNCH satellites into orbit.
—Ars Technica, 13 Mar. 2025
Chadd Scott, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
And blacks like scraps of carbon paper This obsessive recalibration, typical of McCrae’s work, uses language to explore language’s limits, insisting that words can do no more than approximate a place beyond our comprehension: poetry as the pain scale.
—Elisa Gonzalez, The New Yorker, 3 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for approximate
Adjective
Based on Hackman's pacemaker data, his approximate date of death is February 18.
—Mark Davis, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025
This is the approximate price of a mission on Firefly Aerospace's Alpha rocket, the cheapest US launcher with the muscle to lift the PUNCH satellites into orbit.
—Ars Technica, 13 Mar. 2025
Verb
That walkability is also challenged June through September when this rock in the middle of the Mediterranean approximates a pizza oven baking under an unrelenting sun.
—Chadd Scott, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
And blacks like scraps of carbon paper This obsessive recalibration, typical of McCrae’s work, uses language to explore language’s limits, insisting that words can do no more than approximate a place beyond our comprehension: poetry as the pain scale.
—Elisa Gonzalez, The New Yorker, 3 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for approximate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for approximate
Adjective
-
In other words, relative strength is strong, having bottomed in August 2024.—
Bill Sarubbi,
Forbes.com,
26 Mar. 2025
-
There remains $42 million in cap space that is always relative and fluid.—
Cam Inman,
Mercury News,
25 Mar. 2025
Verb
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These projects reflect Zig Zag’s commitment to innovative and impactful storytelling, addressing global challenges while celebrating sporting talent and ambition.—
Jamie Lang,
Variety,
27 Mar. 2025
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Macpherson – who also shared her experience with a cancer diagnosis and holistic treatment choices – and Kotb reflected on the judgment both women received for their medical decisions.—
Paul Du Quenoy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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In addition, prosecutors told their supervisors in a memo that the show had edited footage of the investigation out of chronological order, generating an inaccurate depiction of what happened.—
Jessica Lussenhop,
ProPublica,
29 Mar. 2025
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By contrast, Russia’s own inertial guidance backups tend to be inaccurate.—
David Axe,
Forbes.com,
29 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Only the Preston North End team of 1888-89 have matched them in the history of England’s top division — but their 15 goals conceded came in a season consisting of only 22 fixtures.—
Simon Johnson,
New York Times,
27 Mar. 2025
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When actions do not match expectations, credibility fades.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Do not sign an immigration form that includes incorrect information or blanks.—
Karen Garcia,
Los Angeles Times,
21 Mar. 2025
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And then there is Derek McDaniel, whose incorrect assembling of his nomination packet for 2023 city council race resulted in a circuit court judge bouncing him from the ballot, and whose campaign yard sign size and placement have been questioned in this race.—
Naperville Sun,
Chicago Tribune,
21 Mar. 2025
Verb
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In turn, creators are approaching the ban with a mix of uncertainty and plans to spread content out across several platforms.—
Caitlin Huston,
HollywoodReporter,
26 Mar. 2025
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During March 6’s NBA exhibition match between the Los Angeles Lakers and the New York Knicks, James approached Smith on the sidelines and confronted him about his comments about Bronny.—
Regina Cho,
VIBE.com,
26 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Approximate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/approximate. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.
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