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
The sports simulation, developed by Engine Room VR, aims for a 1:1 approximation of boxing.
—
Griff Griffin, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 June 2025
Such simulations can be time-consuming to run, even on state-of-the-art supercomputers—hence the search for accurate approximations.
—Ramin Skibba, Scientific American, 13 May 2025
Models create visual approximations that often ignore the user's real age, gender, race, or physical appearance.
—Diana Spehar, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
To a good first approximation, the U.S. authorities only assess risks to average healthy adults, whereas the EU counterparts should also assess risks to more vulnerable groups such as young children, the elderly and the immunologically compromised.
—Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for approximation
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Griff Griffin, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 June 2025
Such simulations can be time-consuming to run, even on state-of-the-art supercomputers—hence the search for accurate approximations.
—Ramin Skibba, Scientific American, 13 May 2025
Models create visual approximations that often ignore the user's real age, gender, race, or physical appearance.
—Diana Spehar, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
To a good first approximation, the U.S. authorities only assess risks to average healthy adults, whereas the EU counterparts should also assess risks to more vulnerable groups such as young children, the elderly and the immunologically compromised.
—Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for approximation
Cite this Entry
“Approximation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/approximation. Accessed 15 Jun. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share