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

As credit card usage rises, so have acceptance fees for merchants. —Gordon Ebanks, CNN Money, 19 Oct. 2025

Ansari has pedaled hard to defend his acceptance of a paycheck from Saudi Arabia, with its record of serious human rights violations. —Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 17 Oct. 2025

Thomas was portrayed as an athlete fighting for acceptance while facing backlash. —Alejandro Avila Outkick, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2025

His own personal failures and limitations are further exacerbated when his older brother, Buster (Will Harrison), the golden child, announces his acceptance to law school. —Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 15 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