approval

noun

ap·​prov·​al ə-ˈprü-vəl 

: an act or instance of approving something : approbation

The change is subject to the committee's approval.

see also:

on approval

Synonyms of approval

• favor
• blessing
• approbation
• assent
• vote
• nod
• support
• endorsement

Examples of approval in a Sentence

children who never gained their parents' approval

Do I have your approval to make the changes?

The rally will be on May 19, provided the city gives its approval.

The government has so far withheld approval of the drug.

We were required to get approvals at each stage of the project.

Recent Examples on the Web

Because Pelato is family-owned and operated, Scotto can make changes without waiting for approval and live directly with the outcome. — Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 26 Sep. 2026

That constellation will consist of a million spacecraft, if SpaceX gets regulatory approval. — Josh Dinner, Space.com, 26 Sep. 2026

Reconstructing the paper trail for that grant three years later, across board approvals, valuation reports, exercise windows and tax treatment in multiple jurisdictions, can take days per person. — Jeremy Bradley-Silverio Donato, Forbes.com, 25 Sep. 2026

Seventeen management, investment and other entities — not including Brightline Trains Florida — elected to file for Chapter 11 late Thursday after separate boards gave their approvals, court records show. — David Lyons, Sun Sentinel, 25 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

see approve

First Known Use

1613, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing approval

• approval rating
• find approval/favor
• meet with one's approval
• on approval
• pre-approval
• seal of approval
• stamp of approval

Rhymes for approval

• removal
• disapproval
• reapproval
• uveal

Kids Definition

approval

noun

ap·​prov·​al ə-ˈprü-vəl 

: an act or instance of approving