approximates

verb

present tense third-person singular of approximate
as in reflects
to come near or nearer to in character or quality Rob's violin performance last night didn't even approximate what he's really capable of when he's not feeling sick

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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 approximates Neither actor went for an exact impersonation, although Brill approximates Fauci’s Brooklyn accent. — Michael Schulman, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026 Catnip for film-geek conversation, but rarely does a movie arrive that approximates an answer. — Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 16 Sep. 2026 If Ambrosio’s ring is a high-quality natural diamond, Rakholia approximates that it would be valued somewhere between $2,800,000 to $5,100,000 depending on factors like cut and clarity. — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 12 Aug. 2026 Standard time most closely approximates natural light, with the Sun directly overhead at or near noon. — Beth Ann Malow, The Conversation, 21 July 2026 Lennox perfectly approximates Franklin’s confidence and repose on the cover of her latest album, Vacancy. — Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 7 May 2026 Forbes approximates that Jenner is worth $670 million. — Christopher Edwards, PEOPLE, 13 Apr. 2026 Some bakers find that adding lemon juice or vinegar to milk approximates buttermilk’s acidity adequately for their uses. — Emily Saladino, Bon Appetit Magazine, 20 Mar. 2026 Nordic Knots approximates the color scheme in their percale duvet cover but much more subtly. — Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 11 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for approximates
  1. reflects
  2. matches
  3. approaches
Verb
  • The project also reflects the increasing importance of reliable manufacturing capacity in industries that depend on sophisticated electronic, sensing and space-related technologies.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2026
  • This roster also reflects The District’s appeal to brands expanding selectively — with Adam Lippes, Pucci, Altuzarra and Maison Francis Kurkdjian choosing it for their Texas debuts, alongside Biologique Recherche’s sole Texas residence.
    — Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of reflects
Verb
  • Simply put, to stay economically competitive, America needs computing power that matches or beats its adversaries’.
    — Neil Chatterjee, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Check the manufacturer's official website to confirm that the model exists and matches the advertised specifications.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of matches
Verb
  • As El Gouna approaches its 10th edition, Shawky says the next step is strengthening CineGouna’s international presence and developing more year-round activity beyond the annual festival.
    — Essie Assibu, Variety, 23 Oct. 2026
  • General view of tourists taking selfies at North Bund in Shanghai, China, as Typhoon Dolphin approaches the country.
    — Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of approaches

Browse Nearby Words

approximately
approximates
approximating
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Cite this Entry

“Approximates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/approximates. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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