approving

adjective

ap·​prov·​ing ə-ˈprü-viŋ How to pronounce approving (audio)
: showing approval or acceptance
an approving nod/glance/smile
He surveyed through the park railings the evidences of the town's opulence and luxury with an approving eye.Joseph Conrad
approvingly adverb
nodded approvingly
A number of media outlets have reported approvingly about two recent ads that show the efforts corporate America is making to court single women … Kellyanne Conway

Examples of approving in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Signing to Island, landing a Mercury Prize nomination, and receiving approving comments from Hayley Williams, Fugazi, and Beck himself might make a band feel over-stimulated—or over-hyped. Jenessa Williams, Pitchfork, 14 Feb. 2024 However, older Democrats were more approving than younger Democrats. Oren Oppenheim, ABC News, 14 Dec. 2023 Younger voters also don't vote as often as older demographics, who have been more approving of Biden's handling of Israel and Hamas, a trend which risks undercutting the argument that younger voters' views could be decisive next year. Gabriella Abdul-Hakim, ABC News, 28 Nov. 2023 Those Democrats who don't think the U.S. ought to are relatively less approving of Mr. Biden's handling of the conflict than Democrats who do. Anthony Salvanto, CBS News, 19 Oct. 2023 As Park’s camera pans across the approving, applauding audience, Ben’s unhappy face stands out. Odie Henderson, BostonGlobe.com, 3 Aug. 2023 According to the study, 49% of Indian Americans rate his performance favorably, either strongly approving or approving of him; 31% disapprove of his performance; and 20% expressed no opinion on him at all. Sakshi Venkatraman, NBC News, 21 June 2023 Advertisement Indoor/outdoor area rugs made of polypropylene also got approving nods from our designers for their durability — Brous likes Dash & Albert by Annie Selke. Michelle Brunner, Washington Post, 15 June 2023 My first half-hour is spent pottering through tranquil Cotswold villages, trapped behind dawdling tourists but enjoying the Aston Martin’s supple ride and easygoing docility—along with the many approving looks—though feeling ever more like a caged animal. Tim Pitt, Robb Report, 10 May 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'approving.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

from present participle of approve

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of approving was in 1646

Dictionary Entries Near approving

Cite this Entry

“Approving.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/approving. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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