APPROVAL Synonyms: 52 Similar and Opposite Words

approval

noun

ə-ˈprü-vəl

Definition of approval

as in favor

an acceptance of something as satisfactory does this poster I made for the recital meet with your approval?

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of approval In 2022, state lawmakers passed the bill, creating an approval process for utility companies to submit plans to bury power lines in areas considered high-risk for wildfires. — Brady Halbleib, CBS News, 7 Nov. 2026 In 2024, the developer that built the mall won approval from county planners for a $5 billion data center campus, and word began spreading through the largely Black community nearby. — Jenny Abamu, NPR, 7 Nov. 2026 The blue wave also shines a spotlight on a bipartisan permitting-reform bill awaiting Senate approval. — Bob Woods, CNBC, 7 Nov. 2026 Agents could also speed up approvals and license management for secondary uses of its titles, which Yotsukura called the most revenue-critical part of the business. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 7 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for approval

Recent Examples of Synonyms for approval

Noun

The Moon’s square to inventive Uranus favors experimenting when the original approach hits a snag.

— Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 3 Nov. 2026
Florida's 22nd is held by a Democrat but redrawn to tip in Republicans' favor.

— Domenico Montanaro, NPR, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of favor

Noun

After his death, the future of BajaLite was looking grim, until just weeks ago when DRX operators Ron Stobaugh and John Slavic took up ownership of the class, with Sohren’s family’s blessing.

— Andrew P. Collins, The Drive, 4 Nov. 2026
While the fire was horrible, Hong said some blessings have emerged from the tragedy.

— Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 1 Nov. 2026

Definition of blessing

Noun

The team was slated for elimination under funding cuts for the upcoming fiscal year, following the approbation of a $9 billion budget, outlining $57 million in cuts to general fund departments, through a 4-1 vote on June 10.

— Reeti Malhotra, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2026
This too is greeted with collective approbation; everyone recognizes that this is the right thing to do.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 June 2026

Definition of approbation

Noun

For those unfamiliar with Fielder’s career or filmmaking approach, his assent to award season hopeful — even frontrunner — has felt like welcoming a strange alien to a planet inhabited by the slick Hollywood establishment.

— Zoe Sottile, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026
Throughout our conversation, in fact, the pair chuckles, nods along to each other’s answers, interjects sounds of assent.

— Matt Brennan, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of assent

Noun

King’s mother posted CNN coverage of her daughter’s first vote on Instagram, writing alongside the clip that the election day was a personal one for the family.

— Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2026
As California election officials continue to tally votes, the tightest ballot measure fight as centers on a proposition that attracted almost no spending and minimal mud-slinging.

— Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of vote

Noun

The interiors play on terracotta tones that nod at once to the neighborhood’s brick walls and clay tennis courts, with white as a further reminder of the sport.

— Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 2 Nov. 2026
The Euphoria alum posed in nothing but a string bikini top and matching low-rise pants in a nod to a 2000-era look.

— Lara Walsh, InStyle, 31 Oct. 2026

Definition of nod

Noun

The program aims to strengthen the military’s ability to gather information and support operations from orbit.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 2026
And although Senate Democrats are in the majority, Senate Republicans can still use the filibuster to block almost every bill that lacks bipartisan support.

— Thomas Kahn, Chicago Tribune, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of support

Noun

The challenge facing Eisenkot is that the 67 endorsements do not translate into a 67-seat governing coalition.

— Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 7 Nov. 2026
If major risks fall outside the scope, customers might mistake limited findings for a broader endorsement of the system.

— Avani Desai, Fortune, 6 Nov. 2026