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

The central message is the acceptance that suffering is a necessary stage in the process of love, loss and personal growth — of life itself. — Colin Millar, New York Times, 19 July 2026

The former Black-ish and Grown-ish star — who played a college student on the latter series — initially deferred her acceptance to the Ivy League school for a year to work on a few projects, ultimately enrolling in 2017. — Andrea Wurzburger, PEOPLE, 18 July 2026

But the country’s Muslims often struggle to gain full acceptance and face discrimination. — ABC News, 18 July 2026

The legislation’s passage would signal to taxpayers Congress’ tacit acceptance of a trillion-dollar-plus defense budget tied to an unpopular war. — Julia Gledhill, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026

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