This is the 15555th most frequent Russian word.
приближается
"Is approaching."
The word 'приближается' is used to indicate that the event of winter is coming closer in time.
Зима приближается, и пора готовиться к холодам.
Winter is approaching, and it's time to prepare for the cold.
Here, 'приближается' describes the physical motion of the train coming closer to the station.
Поезд быстро приближается к станции.
The train is quickly approaching the station.
In this sentence, 'приближается' conveys the progression in time towards the exam day.