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.
Construction site trial succeeds The team tested the complete system at an active construction site, where a worker wore the device for approximately 165 minutes while performing normal daily activities. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2026 Coastal evacuations In Los Santos province, where Tonosí is located, approximately 300 people were evacuated from a coastal community to higher ground after sea levels rose following the earthquake. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 10 Oct. 2026 Keierleber is described as a 6-foot white male, approximately 240 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. — Rachel Roberts, Idaho Statesman, 10 Oct. 2026 Note that a 240mm or 360mm radiator/fan will sit just 35mm above the motherboard, and will have to rely on the case’s approximately 58mm of horizontal (leftward) offset to clear the tops of the memory slots of most builds. — Thomas Soderstrom, PC Magazine, 10 Oct. 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 14 Oct. 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
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