acceptance

noun

ac·​cep·​tance ik-ˈsep-tən(t)s 

ak-

1

: the quality or state of being accepted or acceptable

His theories have gained widespread acceptance.

2

: the act of accepting something or someone : the fact of being accepted : approval

acceptance of responsibility

3

law : an agreeing either expressly or by conduct to the act or offer of another so that a contract is concluded and the parties become legally bound

4

a

: the act of accepting a time draft or bill of exchange for payment when due according to the specified terms

b

: an accepted draft or bill of exchange

5

: acceptation sense 2

Examples of acceptance in a Sentence

her acceptance into the club

The university has sent me a letter of acceptance.

He delivered an acceptance speech after he was chosen as the party's presidential nominee.

Recent Examples on the Web

At the same time, questions about privacy and public acceptance will influence the extent to which this technology is adopted. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2025

Amalia Slovak learned the power of acceptance after coming out as transgender while living in Folsom. —JosÉ Luis Villegas, Sacbee.com, 11 Oct. 2025

The bedtime stories explore themes like bravery, acceptance and self-love, and are printed in both braille and text. —Brittany Talarico, PEOPLE, 10 Oct. 2025

That extended catharsis led to acceptance, a journey mirrored by the album’s progression. —Maura Johnston, Rolling Stone, 10 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Anglo-French, "agreement to abide by the act on another," from accepter "to accept" + -ance -ance

First Known Use

circa 1530, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Phrases Containing acceptance

• acceptance speech
• banker's acceptance
• find acceptance
• self-acceptance
• trade acceptance

Rhymes for acceptance

• nonacceptance

Kids Definition

acceptance

noun

ac·​cep·​tance ik-ˈsep-tən(t)s 

ak-

1

: the act of accepting

2

: the quality or state of being accepted or acceptable