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
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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
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Recent Examples of approximate
Lori Ann Larocco, CNBC, 30 Sep. 2024
The approximate total weight of all diamonds is 4 carats.
—Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY, 14 Nov. 2024
Bygreg McKenna, Fortune, 10 Sep. 2024
According to the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs' 2023 report, Russian experts approximate the number of Russian children adopted by U.S. citizens was 66,000 to 68,000.
—Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 25 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for approximate 
Adjective
The approximate value of that freight was upward of $2.7 billion, based on an MDS Transmodal estimate of $50,000 per container.
—Lori Ann Larocco, CNBC, 30 Sep. 2024
The approximate total weight of all diamonds is 4 carats.
—Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY, 14 Nov. 2024
Verb
Still around to this day, the ticker known as SPY tracks the S&P 500 and offers retail investors a cheap and easy way to approximate the returns of the overall market.
—Bygreg McKenna, Fortune, 10 Sep. 2024
According to the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs' 2023 report, Russian experts approximate the number of Russian children adopted by U.S. citizens was 66,000 to 68,000.
—Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 25 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for approximate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for approximate
Adjective
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Both involved some actual bloodshed, which probably accounts for their relative fame.Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024
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Malhotra’s status as a relative newcomer, albeit one with significant familiarity with the organization, is important in the context of these conversations.Jimmy Durkin, The Athletic, 13 Dec. 2024
Verb
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These awards reflect Hutson’s leadership and impact on academia and industry.Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 16 Dec. 2024
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Bidding for the jersey, which reportedly had already gotten a $1.4 million offer earlier in the week, was also due to close Saturday, although SCP’s website did not reflect a winner as of Sunday morning.Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 15 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Poor quality or insufficient data may lead to inaccurate outcomes.Melissa Houston, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024
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However, Richard spent many years in Yorkshire, so the accent is likely inaccurate.Julia Binswanger, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 Nov. 2024
Verb
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The official noted similar flight approach patterns from nearby airports matched the visual sightings reported to tip lines.Zoe Sottile, CNN, 15 Dec. 2024
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In a photo and video shared on the Chiefs' official Instagram account, the NFL star can be seen walking down the airplane stairs wearing a denim jacket and matching denim pants covered with what appears to be white lace accents.Erin Clack, People.com, 15 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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The toy maker advised parents that the label was incorrect and directed consumers who had already purchased the product to discard its packaging and contact Mattel Customer Service.Stacy Perman, Los Angeles Times, 5 Dec. 2024
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But an incorrect response loses any points the team might’ve already gained from this clue, and another team is allowed to steal.Devon Ivie, Vulture, 5 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Emily approaches each day with a positive attitude and strives to truly learn and understand the content that she is exposed to.Caroline Ritzie, The Enquirer, 14 Dec. 2024
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The main iPhone line has been updated annually, but the iPhone SE still ships with a chip approaching three years old.Ewan Spence, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near approximate
Cite this Entry
“Approximate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/approximate. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.
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