green light

noun

Synonyms of green lightnext
: authority or permission to proceed
green-light
ˈgrēn-ˌlīt How to pronounce green light (audio)
transitive verb

Synonyms of green light

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Examples of green light in a Sentence

we were given the green light to use the town commons for our fund-raiser
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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 property management plan for the former oil field in Newport Beach that is being turned into passive open space for the public got a green light from the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority governing board this week. — Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 14 Aug. 2026 The Department of Transportation’s permitting backlog, which this spring reportedly had hundreds of businesses waiting for a green light, hasn’t helped. — Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 13 Aug. 2026 Rice approached Cloud10 with a pitch to develop a deep-dive investigation on McDonnell and received an enthusiastic green light. — Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 11 Aug. 2026 Rather than representing a green light for construction, the milestone marks an early step in the project’s development. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for green light

Word History

Etymology

from the green traffic light which signals permission to proceed

First Known Use

1937, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of green light was in 1937

Rhymes for green light

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Browse Nearby Words

greenlet
green light
greenling
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Cite this Entry

“Green light.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/green%20light. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026.

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