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
See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

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.
Soto missed approximately five weeks because of a left calf strain. — Will Sammon, New York Times, 30 Aug. 2026 This issue is particularly evident among younger employees, as 20% of Gen Z workers report experiencing loneliness frequently—approximately double the rate reported by Millennials. — Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026 State Department Spokesperson Tommy Pigott said Sunday that approximately 85 Americans remain unaccounted for following catastrophic flash flooding on the border of Nepal and Tibet. — Isabel Danzis, ABC News, 30 Aug. 2026 The epicenter was approximately 5 miles southeast of Soda Bay, at a depth of 2 miles. — Ca Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 30 Aug. 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 1 Sep. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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