approximately

adverb

ap·​prox·​i·​mate·​ly ə-ˈpräk-sə-mət-lē How to pronounce approximately (audio)
Synonyms of approximately
: in an approximate manner
an event in ancient history that can only be approximately dated
—used to indicate that a stated number, amount, or value is an approximation
Approximately [=around, about] 2,000 people attended the rally.
arrived at approximately 11:30 in the morning
During a lifetime, a person will take approximately 500 million breaths.—Arthur S. Slutsky, M.D., et al.

Synonyms of approximately

Relevance
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Examples of approximately in a Sentence

it takes approximately three hours to drive to Dallas
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
At full capacity, the company estimates that the new facility could feature approximately 600 employees. — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2026 As for pricing, that starts at €42,695 (approximately US$48,000). — New Atlas, 24 Oct. 2026 The earthquake's epicenter was approximately 6 miles east of Ocotillo Wells and occurred at a depth of 1 mile. — Ca Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 24 Oct. 2026 Israeli human rights organization B’Tselem said approximately 240 Palestinian families were forced from their homes in the Jildah and ‘Ein Deir Bahah neighborhoods of Hebron on Friday and Saturday. — Freddie Clayton, NBC news, 24 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for approximately

Word History

First Known Use

1742, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of approximately was in 1742

Rhymes for approximately

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Browse Nearby Words

approximate
approximately
approximation
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Cite this Entry

“Approximately.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/approximately. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

approximately

adverb
ap·​prox·​i·​mate·​ly
-mət-lē
: reasonably close to
approximately 5 miles
at approximately six o'clock
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