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 WebAaron Boorstein, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 Apr. 2024
Expect cicadas in the following states: Alabama Arkansas Georgia
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kentucky
Louisiana
Michigan
Mississippi
Missouri
North Carolina
Oklahoma
South Carolina
Tennessee
Wisconsin
Virginia
Cicadas 2024 map
The map below shows the approximate locations for broods emerging in 2024.
—Olivia Munson, USA TODAY, 18 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for approximate 
Adjective
The series of five prints, each measuring about 14 inches long, indicates the raptor grew to an approximate length of 16 feet and had a hip height of six feet.
—Aaron Boorstein, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 Apr. 2024
Expect cicadas in the following states: Alabama Arkansas Georgia
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kentucky
Louisiana
Michigan
Mississippi
Missouri
North Carolina
Oklahoma
South Carolina
Tennessee
Wisconsin
Virginia
Cicadas 2024 map
The map below shows the approximate locations for broods emerging in 2024.
—Olivia Munson, USA TODAY, 18 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for approximate
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'approximate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near approximate
Cite this Entry
“Approximate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/approximate. Accessed 3 May. 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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