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.
The Nazca Lines, ​enormous drawings and ⁠geometric figures etched into desert plains in the south of the country, are one of Peru’s main tourist destinations, attracting approximately ​100,000 annual visitors. — Joe Kottke, NBC news, 2 Aug. 2026 The drone is powered by a small two-stroke piston engine, allowing a maximum speed of approximately 160 km/h. — Vikram Mittal, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026 Malone said surgeons removed approximately 96% of the cancer during the operation. — Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 2 Aug. 2026 The closest Westlake residence is approximately 1,200 yards away, or two-thirds of a mile. — Elizabeth Campbell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 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 5 Aug. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on approximately

Nglish: Translation of approximately for Spanish Speakers

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