ap·prox·i·mate
ə-ˈpräk-sə-mət 
1
: nearly correct or exact : close in value or amount but not precise
an approximate solution
an approximate date
2
: located close together
approximate leaves
ap·prox·i·mate
ə-ˈpräk-sə-ˌmāt
approximated; approximating
1
: to come near to or be close to (something)
a reproduction that approximates the original
2
a
: to bring near or close
b
: to bring (cut edges of tissue) together
chiefly British
: to come close
—usually used with to
… the pigments on a palette can only approximate to the limitless range of colour in nature.—
The Illustrated Dictionary of Art Terms
The Illustrated Dictionary of Art TermsSynonyms
Examples of approximate in a Sentence
Adjective
This is the approximate location of the ancient city.
Can you give me the approximate cost of the repair?
Verb
I've finally found a vegetarian burger that approximates the taste of real beef.
The colors in the pictures can only approximate the real thing.
an Australian who can approximate a strong New York City accent
Recent Examples on the Web
Susan Tompor, USA TODAY, 3 Nov. 2024
Kovalenko did not say which equipment featured in the images, nor the approximate location of the systems.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 3 Nov. 2024
Laura Barrero, Axios, 1 Aug. 2024
This special vehicle will thus approximate, for its owner, some of the joys and sensations of being an actual superhero.
—Brett Berk, Architectural Digest, 30 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for approximate 
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Adjective
Remember details such as your approximate date of hire and date your employment ended.
—Susan Tompor, USA TODAY, 3 Nov. 2024
Kovalenko did not say which equipment featured in the images, nor the approximate location of the systems.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 3 Nov. 2024
Verb
Many of the timelines listed are approximated based on the owners' understanding.
—Laura Barrero, Axios, 1 Aug. 2024
This special vehicle will thus approximate, for its owner, some of the joys and sensations of being an actual superhero.
—Brett Berk, Architectural Digest, 30 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for approximate
Dictionary Entries Near approximate
Cite this Entry
“Approximate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/approximate. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
approximate
1 of 2 adjective
ap·prox·i·mate
ə-ˈpräk-sə-mət
: nearly correct or exact
the approximate cost
approximate rhyme
approximate
2 of 2 verb
ap·prox·i·mate
ə-ˈpräk-sə-ˌmāt
approximated; approximating
1
: to bring near or close
2
: to come near in position, value, or characteristics : approach
tried to approximate the singer's style
Medical Definition
approximate
1 of 2 adjective
ap·prox·i·mate
ə-ˈpräk-sə-mət
: located close together
approximate
2 of 2 transitive verb
ap·prox·i·mate
-ˌmāt
approximated; approximating
: to bring together
approximate cut edges of tissue
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