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
In late April, the team unveiled the site, which has been transformed into an approximation of its original Neolithic layout.
—
Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 May 2025
Markets may evolve from approximations to real-time, multi-layered simulations.
—Amir Husain, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
Starting with simple approximations and systematically layering complexity, the researchers calculated key outcomes of black hole flybys: how much they are deflected, how much energy is radiated as gravitational waves and how much the behemoths recoil after the interaction.
—Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 16 May 2025
The atlas’s early pages are only approximations of the truth.
—Erica Klarreich, Quanta Magazine, 5 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for approximation
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Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 May 2025
Markets may evolve from approximations to real-time, multi-layered simulations.
—Amir Husain, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
Starting with simple approximations and systematically layering complexity, the researchers calculated key outcomes of black hole flybys: how much they are deflected, how much energy is radiated as gravitational waves and how much the behemoths recoil after the interaction.
—Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 16 May 2025
The atlas’s early pages are only approximations of the truth.
—Erica Klarreich, Quanta Magazine, 5 May 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 4 Jun. 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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