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
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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
Alison Durkee, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024
Here is how his films rank in worldwide adjusted results, grouped by approximate gross ranges.
—Tom Brueggemann, IndieWire, 20 Nov. 2024
Carl Leubsdorf, The Mercury News, 16 Nov. 2024
Many of the timelines listed are approximated based on the owners' understanding.
—Laura Barrero, Axios, 1 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for approximate 
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Adjective
That’s the approximate share of Americans who are on Medicaid, according to KFF, with the federal government reporting 72.4 million people were enrolled in the program as of July.
—Alison Durkee, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024
Here is how his films rank in worldwide adjusted results, grouped by approximate gross ranges.
—Tom Brueggemann, IndieWire, 20 Nov. 2024
Verb
Interestingly, his support from most major voter groups approximated George W. Bush’s in 2004 — and his failures helped cost Republicans the White House just four years later.
—Carl Leubsdorf, The Mercury News, 16 Nov. 2024
Many of the timelines listed are approximated based on the owners' understanding.
—Laura Barrero, Axios, 1 Aug. 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 30 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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