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.

Phrases

on approval

: subject to a prospective buyer's acceptance or refusal

stamps sent to collectors 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

Adoring fans wearing Dodger caps and jerseys and carrying signs screamed their approval as the buses went by. —Steve Futterman, NPR, 4 Nov. 2025

If all else fails, gaining his approval is sometimes as simple as making the right donation. —Rohan Goswami, semafor.com, 3 Nov. 2025

Castlebridge received city approval to use Heathway Drive as an entrance in June. —Charlotte Observer, 3 Nov. 2025

Public approval of Congress is near historic lows, and polling shows that many voters believe professional politicians are self-interested and out of touch. —Jeff Harden, The Conversation, 3 Nov. 2025

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
• pre-approval
• seal of approval
• stamp of approval

Rhymes for approval

• removal
• disapproval
• reapproval

Kids Definition

approval

noun

ap·​prov·​al ə-ˈprü-vəl 

: an act or instance of approving