APPROVING Synonyms: 116 Similar and Opposite Words

approving 1 of 2

adjective

ə-ˈprü-viŋ

Definition of approving

as in favorable

expressing approval the play did not receive a single approving notice

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

approving

2 of 2

verb

present participle of approve

as in ratifying

to give official acceptance of as satisfactory as soon as the pond project was approved, the bulldozers were at the site

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 approving

Adjective

Leaders spend less time approving and more time setting direction and context. — Anna Drobakha, Forbes.com, 19 May 2026 My hostess stands in the middle of her guests and offers me the slightest of nods, the quick upward pull of an approving smile. — Danielle Parker, CBS News, 8 Mar. 2026

Verb

Though approving tax levies for the county’s funds sets the total amount the county plans to collect, the actual property tax amount residents pay is not yet set. — Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 12 Aug. 2026 An ad by Affordable Living Florida — run by Doug Kaplan, a political strategist who records show donated $250 to support Singh, who denies approving the ad — attacked Walton Johnson with that claim and went viral on social media. — Cristóbal Reyes, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for approving

Recent Examples of Synonyms for approving

Adjective

The mayors coalition argues that while any type of bond is not always favorable, addressing the state's housing crisis is necessary.

— Darrielle Fair, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
The senior Canadian official said the emerging agreement would provide greater certainty, protect Canada’s dairy sector and jobs threatened by the new tariffs, and preserve what Ottawa considers favorable trade terms with the United States.

— ABC News, ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of favorable

Verb

Hence, the National Players Basketball Association plans to talk with the NBA about ratifying the CBA to alter spending restrictions.

— Mark Medina, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
The European Union and the United States took one ultra-laborious step forward in ratifying their bilateral trade deal in late June.

— Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 23 July 2026

Definition of ratifying

Adjective

The economic outlook is also largely positive despite the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

— Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 21 Aug. 2026
According to the health department, nearly twice as many sample groups of mosquitoes tested positive for West Nile virus this year compared to the same time last year.

— Katie Houlis, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of positive

Verb

Lee wanted to get back on stage from the moment the band said goodbye in August of 2015, but confirming the tour meant many months of grim-faced work.

— Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 14 Aug. 2026
The erroneous reports prompted Katsina United to release another statement confirming Ozor’s death.

— Adam England, PEOPLE, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of confirming

Adjective

Max’s arrival is particularly propitious because Max is still sore from Nathan’s betrayal, so if Max can get on Joe’s good side by respecting his authority, Joe can reward him with the lead position.

— Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 18 Aug. 2026
The offense has all the pieces to be one of the league’s best.

— Jon Machota, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of good

Verb

Before finalizing their divorce in June 2022, the pair announced their split to PEOPLE in May 2020.

— Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 19 Aug. 2026
The 60-day memorandum of understanding with Iran was initially touted as a major step toward reopening the Strait of Hormuz and clearing a path to finalizing a long-term deal on Tehran's nuclear ambitions.

— Kevin Breuninger,Sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of finalizing

Verb

Some commentators have incorrectly characterized the memo as authorizing cyber letters of marque or privateers.

— Jill Goldenziel, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026
Last month, federal officials denied Arkansas' request to extend its waiver authorizing the Arkansas Health and Opportunity for Me program, or ARHOME, through 2031.

— Nathan Ansell, Arkansas Online, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of authorizing

Verb

After originally endorsing Holscher’s opponent in the primary, Kelly has since backed Holscher in the race to succeed her.

— Cuyler Dunn, Kansas City Star, 17 Aug. 2026
The Teamsters have been enthusiastically endorsing the bill specifically because, while 40-something employers would be difficult to collectively bargain against, DSP workers would be much easier to organize once within Amazon.

— Tiana Lowe Doescher, The Washington Examiner, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of endorsing

Browse Nearby Words

approves (of)

approving

approvingly

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Approving.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/approving. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of approving

adjective

verb

Example Sentences

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