approximation
noun
ap·prox·i·ma·tion
ə-ˌpräk-sə-ˈmā-shən 
1
: the act or process of drawing together
2
: the quality or state of being close or near
an approximation to the truth
an approximation of justice
3
: something that is approximate
especially
: a mathematical quantity that is close in value to but not the same as a desired quantity
Examples of approximation in a Sentence
This isn't an exact figure but I think it's a good approximation of what the land is worth.
The color of the paint isn't the exact same color as the vase, but it's a close approximation.
Recent Examples on the Web
Delivery are the closest approximation of sales reported by Tesla.
—
Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 3 Jan. 2025
Decide for yourself if that organization seems to be trying to get to the closest approximation of the truth, and achieves it the vast majority of the time.
—Jim Vandehei, Axios, 3 Dec. 2024
Meanwhile, industrially produced steel structures will create interactive approximations of jumbo bracelets, necklaces, and more.
—Hannah Martin, Architectural Digest, 19 Nov. 2024
The Kiss of Death (1977) Leave it to Leigh to begin a rom-com (or at least his closest approximation to one) with a funeral.
—Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 9 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for approximation 
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Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 3 Jan. 2025
Decide for yourself if that organization seems to be trying to get to the closest approximation of the truth, and achieves it the vast majority of the time.
—Jim Vandehei, Axios, 3 Dec. 2024
Meanwhile, industrially produced steel structures will create interactive approximations of jumbo bracelets, necklaces, and more.
—Hannah Martin, Architectural Digest, 19 Nov. 2024
The Kiss of Death (1977) Leave it to Leigh to begin a rom-com (or at least his closest approximation to one) with a funeral.
—Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 9 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for approximation
Dictionary Entries Near approximation
Cite this Entry
“Approximation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/approximation. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
approximation
noun
ap·prox·i·ma·tion
ə-ˌpräk-sə-ˈmā-shən
1
: a coming near or close (as in value)
2
: something approximate
especially
: an estimate or figure that is almost exact
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