Approximately — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adverb /ə-ˈpräk-sə-mət-lē/ ap·prox·i·mate·ly

Meaning & Definition of Approximately

Approximately (adverb)

  1. in an approximate manner —used to indicate that a stated number, amount, or value is an approximation

Approximately (adverb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. close to but not exactly

    "it takes approximately three hours to drive to Dallas"

    similar: about, around, like, more or less, much, near, plus or minus, roughly, say, some, after a fashion, somewhere about, somewhere around
    related: generally, kind of, loosely, nearly, nominally, practically, virtually, well-nigh
    opposite: exactly, precisely
    near: due, even, just, sharp, smack-dab, squarely

Related Entry: Approximate (adjective)

Approximate is a different word from Approximately. The synonyms below are for approximate, not for approximately.

  1. being such only when compared to something else

    "the movie's an approximate success, if you can overlook the overblown publicity that preceded it"

    similar: almost, comparative, near, relative
    related: alike, comparable, similar, equal, equivalent
    opposite: absolute, complete, downright, out-and-out, outright, perfect, pure, unqualified
    near: genuine, real, true

  2. not precisely correct

    "police could only give us an approximate count of the number of people who attended the air show"

    similar: approximative, ballpark, imprecise, inaccurate, inexact, loose, squishy
    related: erroneous, false, incorrect, off, wrong, general, indefinable, indefinite, indeterminate, indistinct, mushy, undefined, undetermined, unsettled, vague, faulty, flawed, mistaken, specious, distorted, fallacious, misleading, doubtful, dubious, questionable, uncertain, inconclusive, indecisive, debatable, disputable, invalidated, unconfirmed, unsubstantiated, unsupported
    opposite: accurate, dead, dead-on, exact, precise, ultraprecise, veracious
    near: certain, incontestable, indubitable, positive, sure, undeniable, unquestionable, correct, errorless, factual, right, sound, true, valid, clear-cut, decisive, definable, defined, definite, incontrovertible, indisputable, irrefutable, absolute, unqualified, confirmed, corroborated, determined, established, substantiated, supported, validated

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Approximately

The most common words with a similar meaning to Approximately:

about, around, like, more or less, much, near, plus or minus, roughly, say, some, after a fashion, somewhere about, somewhere around

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Approximately

Words with the opposite meaning of Approximately:

exactly, precisely

Related Words for Approximately

generally, kind of, loosely, nearly, nominally, practically, virtually, well-nigh

Near Antonyms of Approximately

due, even, just, sharp, smack-dab, squarely

Origin & Etymology of Approximately

First known use: 1742

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Approximately

Frequently Asked Questions about Approximately

What does "Approximately" mean?

"Approximately" means in an approximate manner —used to indicate that a stated number, amount, or value is an approximation. As an adverb, it is defined as: in an approximate manner —used to indicate that a stated number, amount, or value is an approximation.

What is another word for "Approximately"?

Other words for "Approximately" include about, around, like, more or less, much, near, plus or minus and roughly. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Approximately" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Approximately"?

There are 21 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Approximately". Common alternatives include about, around, like, more or less, much, near, plus or minus, roughly, say and some.

What is the opposite of "Approximately"?

Antonyms of "Approximately" include exactly and precisely. Near antonyms include due, even, just and sharp.

How do you use "Approximately" in a sentence?

Examples of "Approximately" in a sentence: "it takes approximately three hours to drive to Dallas".

Is "Approximately" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Approximately" is an adverb.

Is "Approximately" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B1-level word, "Approximately" is typical of Cambridge B1 Preliminary (PET), IELTS band 4.0–5.0, TOEFL iBT 42–71, PTE Academic 43–58, TOEIC Listening & Reading 550+.

How do you pronounce "Approximately"?

"Approximately" is pronounced /ə-ˈpräk-sə-mət-lē/ and divided into syllables as ap·prox·i·mate·ly.