APPROVAL Synonyms: 52 Similar and Opposite Words

approval

noun

ə-ˈprü-vəl

Definition of approval

as in favor

an acceptance of something as satisfactory does this poster I made for the recital meet with your approval?

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of approval Trump’s Truth Social spree comes after his administration asked the Supreme Court on Friday to reverse several lower court rulings blocking construction of the ballroom without congressional approval. — Sara Dorn, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026 The city council has yet to give final approval to the settlement, and a vote on the matter is expected in September, Pointer said. — Jakob Rodgers, Mercury News, 15 Aug. 2026 The lawsuit filed by Adams and Herz seeks to stop the approval of the language and ultimately to keep the question from going to voters this year. — Rafael Olmeda, Sun Sentinel, 15 Aug. 2026 SoFi also offers an advance approval program that prequalifies you for loans throughout your entire degree program, not just one year. — Faith Wakefield, USA Today, 15 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for approval

Recent Examples of Synonyms for approval

Noun

In a country where current and former governors command massive grassroots support and are often accused of working with local electoral officials to manipulate election results, analysts say the defections could work in Tinubu’s favor.

— ABC News, ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026
Fedorov was credited with turning the tide of the war in Ukraine's favor, increasing Ukraine's strikes deep into Russia tenfold and bolstering its domestic arsenal.

— CBS News, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of favor

Noun

And now Ripp, who has his own contentious family connection to Joel, had both Mann and Mazur’s blessings to make a movie with it.

— Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 12 Aug. 2026
Amache Prowers Memorial Park CBS There was a blessing of the park Tuesday morning during its opening.

— Jennifer McRae, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of blessing

Noun

The team was slated for elimination under funding cuts for the upcoming fiscal year, following the approbation of a $9 billion budget, outlining $57 million in cuts to general fund departments, through a 4-1 vote on June 10.

— Reeti Malhotra, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2026
This too is greeted with collective approbation; everyone recognizes that this is the right thing to do.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 June 2026

Definition of approbation

Noun

The Provisional Government has not assumed a republican or other constitutional form, but has remained a mere executive council or oligarchy, set up without the assent of the people.

— Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 11 Aug. 2026
The United Kingdom’s Slavery Abolition Act received royal assent after passing Parliament.

— USA TODAY, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of assent

Noun

Amigo swept both the four-judge jury and the public Facebook vote for a flawless costume entry with a knight-like look.

— ABC News, ABC News, 16 Aug. 2026
The new assignments could give Harris-Dawson a base of support the next time there’s a vote on his presidency.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of vote

Noun

Namely, the playing of the Dam Busters theme tune ahead of kick-off as a nod to how the nearby RAF Scampton was the base during the Second World War of 617 Squadron, as immortalised in the 1955 film of the same name.

— Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
Saint Laurent gave the fashion nod of approval by dressing Hailey Bieber in a butter-yellow iteration paired with an orange nylon windbreaker for its spring-summer 2026 catwalk show.

— Fiona Embleton, Glamour, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of nod

Noun

Others are just as deliberate about avoiding the front lines, gravitating toward technical or support specialties where the likelihood of direct combat is lower, but translating those skills to a civilian job may be smoother.

— Steven Beynon, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
Jiang’s era saw China’s economy charge ahead and open up to the world, culminating with the country joining the World Trade Organization – with US support – in 2001.

— Sylvie Zhuang, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of support

Noun

Blakeman launched his campaign with an early endorsement from the president and welcomed him to Long Island on Friday for a tour of a police facility in Nassau County.

— David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 15 Aug. 2026
To win over these hyper-selective young consumers, the report’s authors said brands must shift away from top-of-funnel marketing like creator endorsements and focus on tangible value and real-world utility.

— Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 14 Aug. 2026