Approximate Definition & Meaning

approximate
adjective
  1. not quite exact or correct; "the approximate time was 10 o'clock"; "a rough guess"; "a ballpark estimate"
  2. very close in resemblance; "sketched in an approximate likeness"; "a near likeness"
  3. located close together; "with heads close together"; "approximate leaves grow together but are not united"
verb
  1. be close or similar; "Her results approximate my own"
  2. judge tentatively or form an estimate of (quantities or time); "I estimate this chicken to weigh three pounds"

Synonyms for approximate

close adv

near in time or place or relationship; "as the wedding day drew near"; "stood near the door

♫ Rhymes ↔ Synonyms
estimate noun

an approximate calculation of quantity or degree or worth; "an estimate of what it would cost

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gauge noun

a measuring instrument for measuring and indicating a quantity such as the thickness of wire or the amount of rain etc.

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guess noun

a message expressing an opinion based on incomplete evidence an estimate based on little or no information expect,

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inexact adj

not exact

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judge noun

a public official authorized to decide questions brought before a court of justice an authority who is able to estimate

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near adv

near in time or place or relationship; "as the wedding day drew near"; "stood near the door

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rough adv

with roughness or violence (`rough' is an informal variant for `roughly'); "he was pushed roughly aside

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"Approximate" in song lyrics

See how approximate is used in real songs:

  • "I spit a theorem full strength I don't approximate"
    Juice & Vakill (Triangle Offense) — Urban Legend
  • "In ink a document approximate"
    Leaders of the New School — Daily Reminder
  • "clozacs devices approximate"
    AOL — AOL

Words that rhyme with approximate

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Usage tips for "approximate"

Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "approximate" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for approximate to find words that pair well.

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♫ Rhymes with approximate ↔ Synonyms for approximate 🔬 Words containing approximate

Frequently asked questions

What does approximate mean?
not quite exact or correct; "the approximate time was 10 o'clock"; "a rough guess"; "a ballpark estimate" very close in resemblance; "sketched in an approximate likeness"; "a near likeness" located close together; "with heads close together"; "approximate leaves grow together but are not united" be close or similar; "Her results approximate my own" judge tentatively or form an estimate of (quantities or time); "I estimate this chicken to weigh three pounds"
What part of speech is approximate?
Approximate is an adjective and a verb.
How many definitions does approximate have?
Approximate has 5 definitions across 2 parts of speech (adjective, verb).

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