approximation
noun
ap·prox·i·ma·tion
ə-ˌpräk-sə-ˈmā-shən 
1
: the act or process of drawing together
2
: the quality or state of being close or near
an approximation to the truth
an approximation of justice
3
: something that is approximate
especially
: a mathematical quantity that is close in value to but not the same as a desired quantity
Examples of approximation in a Sentence
This isn't an exact figure but I think it's a good approximation of what the land is worth.
The color of the paint isn't the exact same color as the vase, but it's a close approximation.
Recent Examples on the Web
Indeed, to a first approximation, the most notable examples of New York architecture are plutocratic projects from the first Gilded Age or its aftermath, whether the Metropolitan Museum of Art or the first great skyscrapers, most of which are associated with individuals like Woolworth.
—
Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 24 Feb. 2025
One hope is to show that approximations that Misner and others made are valid approximations of Einsteinian gravity.
—Lyndie Chiou, Quanta Magazine, 24 Feb. 2025
The league fears the digital box hovering over home plate showing viewers an approximation of the strike zone could interfere with ABS’ effectiveness.
—Evan Drellich, The Athletic, 19 Feb. 2025
Read on for info about some of our favorite Florida retirement spots, but keep in mind that the population numbers listed are based on the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 data, so they should be treated as approximations and may be slightly different today.
—Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 5 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for approximation
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Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 24 Feb. 2025
One hope is to show that approximations that Misner and others made are valid approximations of Einsteinian gravity.
—Lyndie Chiou, Quanta Magazine, 24 Feb. 2025
The league fears the digital box hovering over home plate showing viewers an approximation of the strike zone could interfere with ABS’ effectiveness.
—Evan Drellich, The Athletic, 19 Feb. 2025
Read on for info about some of our favorite Florida retirement spots, but keep in mind that the population numbers listed are based on the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 data, so they should be treated as approximations and may be slightly different today.
—Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 5 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for approximation
Cite this Entry
“Approximation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/approximation. Accessed 14 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
approximation
noun
ap·prox·i·ma·tion
ə-ˌpräk-sə-ˈmā-shən
1
: a coming near or close (as in value)
2
: something approximate
especially
: an estimate or figure that is almost exact
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