APPROACHES Synonyms: 147 Similar and Opposite Words

approaches 1 of 2

noun

plural of approach

as in paths

an established course for traveling from one place to another will take the standard landing approach from the south

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Relevance

as in methods

the means or procedure for doing something that's a different approach to knitting, but it seems to work

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approaches

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of approach

as in comes

to come near or nearer the parade's approaching! I can hear the band playing!

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in enters

to move closer to approach the bull with caution

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in approximates

to come near or nearer to in character or quality his store-bought dessert doesn't even approach your homemade version of it

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Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of approaches

Noun

Chance of lightning increases as a thunderstorm approaches and peaks when the storm is overhead. — Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 5 July 2026 Attracting birds can include a variety of approaches beyond adding bird feeders or placing a birdbath in your yard. — The Spruce, 5 July 2026 The probability of lightning strikes rises as a thunderstorm approaches and peaks when the storm is directly above. — Star-Telegram Weather Bot, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 July 2026 Relatedly, as the film's release on June 26 rapidly approaches, there's new box office tracking data out. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 23 June 2026 As kickoff approaches, supporters from both nations are making their presence felt across Philadelphia. — Eva Andersen, CBS News, 22 June 2026 Aydlett says there is particular concern for people who are still recovering from Typhoon Sinlaku, which hit the region in April, as Super Typhoon Bavi approaches. — Kristin Wright, NPR, 5 July 2026 The market sees diverse approaches from infrastructure, authorization, and security vendors, alongside consolidation through acquisitions and open-source initiatives. — Janakiram Msv, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026 Across Connecticut, families coping with PTSD, chronic pain, depression and treatment-resistant mental health conditions are looking for therapies that offer hope when conventional approaches have fallen short. — John R. Gordon, Hartford Courant, 5 July 2026

Verb

As the train approaches Portland, the view shifts again, with bridges, waterways, and buzzing streets. — Abby Price, Travel + Leisure, 4 July 2026 Trim adjustment remains a routine task whether a boat sits on a trailer, approaches a dock, or enters a service bay. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 3 July 2026 If a car approaches from the right side around a blind corner, for example, the right grip will vibrate instantly, allowing the rider to keep their eyes on the road. — Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 4 July 2026 Washington still approaches Africa country by country, while Africa is organizing itself as a continental market. — Daniele Nyirandutiye, semafor.com, 6 July 2026 As the United States approaches its semiquincentennial on July 4th, foreign nations are once again preparing gestures of their own. — Max Grinstein, The Washington Examiner, 3 July 2026 Meanwhile, the atmosphere becomes increasingly charged as Mars approaches its conjunction with Uranus in Gemini, before becoming exact. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026 As America approaches its 250th anniversary, the author emphasizes that freedom is a profound responsibility, not merely an inheritance. — Phil Kafarakis, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026 As the 16th anniversary of their July 13, 2010 nuptials approaches, the now-52-year-old Penelope Cruz tells People that even now, the mystery between the couple is alive and well. — Alessandra De Tommasi, Vanity Fair, 5 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for approaches

Noun

Some of those places have her crossing paths with new characters played by Wanda Sykes and Ice-T, among others.

— Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 6 July 2026
For finance professionals, the findings suggest that employers who invest in meaningful on-the-job development and clear growth paths can gain a competitive edge in attracting and keeping talent in an increasingly demanding and data-driven function.

— Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 6 July 2026

Definition of paths

Noun

Harford County authorities and the FBI worked with Othram after DNA evidence did not immediately identify the unknown male suspect through traditional methods.

— Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026
When using chemical methods to kill the shrub, be sure to protect desirable plants from overspray.

— Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 5 July 2026

Definition of methods

Verb

Harry's decision comes amid ongoing discussions with the royal family to acquire an appropriate level of security for his family, including Meghan Markle and their two children, Princess Lilibet, 5, and Prince Archie, 7.

— Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 5 July 2026
Gentle self-expression comes easily as the emotional Moon in your sign harmonizes with the vibrant Sun in your 5th House of Creativity and Play.

— Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 5 July 2026

Definition of comes

Verb

As the match enters a hydration break, Austria — which has already gone for broke with four substitutions this half — will have to try something different to rally.

— Ashley Mowreader, NBC news, 3 July 2026
Sudo enters as the dominant force in the women’s division, seeking her 12th victory.

— Jennifer Borresen, USA Today, 3 July 2026

Definition of enters

Noun

Tehran meanwhile has tried to strengthen its leverage by saying crew members must gain permission to traverse the strait along routes approved by its officials.

— Lex Harvey, CNN Money, 7 July 2026
In the Nutanix implementation, an agent talks to a unified endpoint that routes to the appropriate model.

— Janakiram MSV, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026

Definition of routes

Noun

The federal government and states have begun investigating pricing strategies that companies report have led to higher profits.

— Audrey McGlinchy, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
When planning for retirement, asset allocation, withdrawal strategies, and tax-efficient investing is typically top of mind.

— David Kudla, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026

Definition of strategies

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“Approaches.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/approaches. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of approaches

noun

verb

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