Synonyms of approximate

approximate 1 of 2

adjective

ə-ˈpräk-sə-mət 

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

• relative
• almost
• comparative
• similar
• comparable
• near
• equivalent
• equal
• alike

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• complete
• perfect
• absolute
• pure
• real
• true
• outright
• unqualified
• downright
• genuine
• out-and-out

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

• approximative
• inaccurate
• incorrect
• inexact
• imprecise
• erroneous
• general
• flawed
• misleading
• ballpark
• indefinite
• loose
• vague
• indeterminate
• uncertain
• undetermined
• squishy
• questionable
• indistinct
• wrong
• undefined
• mistaken
• false
• indefinable
• distorted
• faulty
• specious
• doubtful
• off
• dubious
• mushy
• unsettled
• fallacious
• inconclusive
• unconfirmed
• debatable
• unsupported
• unsubstantiated
• disputable
• indecisive
• invalidated

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• exact
• accurate
• precise
• certain
• correct
• sure
• positive
• dead
• dead-on
• true
• right
• valid
• sound
• unquestionable
• undeniable
• definite
• incontestable
• indubitable
• factual
• defined
• decisive
• definable
• absolute
• ultraprecise
• veracious
• clear-cut
• indisputable
• incontrovertible
• irrefutable
• confirmed
• determined
• errorless
• unqualified
• established
• supported
• validated
• substantiated
• corroborated

approximate

2 of 2

verb

ə-ˈpräk-sə-ˌmāt 

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

• reflect
• match
• measure up (to)
• compare (with)
• approach
• stack up (against or with)
• hold a candle to
• parallel
• mirror
• come (to)
• amount (to)
• equal
• add up (to)
• duplicate
• touch (on)
• verge (on)
• border (on)

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of approximate

Adjective

While mortgage interest rates do change on a daily basis, these are probably the approximate rates borrowers can expect to be offered this month, now that the recent Fed rate decision has had a chance to echo through the wider market. —Matt Richardson, CBS News, 1 May 2026

As for propulsion, the Fly 82 can be equipped with three Volvo Penta IPS engines rated at either 900 hp or 1,000 hp, giving it an approximate top speed of 32 knots and cruising speed of 25 knots. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 29 Apr. 2026

Verb

Fluffy and often unruly, most sedges don't approximate the look of a traditional lawn. —Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 30 Apr. 2026

The band sounds a little like the Police approximating Weather Report, but Parker sounds much like the very guitarist who would join Tortoise and build the ETA IVTet—his tone incisive and notes restrained, his choices forever relating to the rhythm. —Grayson Haver Currin, Pitchfork, 30 Apr. 2026