When used as a verb, near has the same meaning as approach. For example, "We are approaching/nearing our destination."
The phrasal verb, draw close, also has the same meaning as approach. In the sentence, "The enemy is approaching/drawing close." Draw near is variation that also has the same meaning.
In the sentence, "The plane took the landing approach from the north," approach functions as a noun. In this example, avenue is a suitable replacement for approach. Pathway or route are other noun synonyms for approach.
Approach can also mean "a way of doing something" when used as a noun. In this case, the word manner can substitute for approach. For example, "You have a creative approach/manner for knitting."
Plan of attack, or attack, can substitute for approach in a more forceful sentence. For example, "His approach/plan of attack/attack was weak and unsuccessful."
Approach can mean "a similarity" or "approximation," thus approximate can substitute approach in a sentence. In the sentence, "Her teaching methods approximate mine," approximate substitutes approach.