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 That constellation will consist of a million spacecraft, if SpaceX gets regulatory approval. — Josh Dinner, Space.com, 26 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 The manufacturers will also have access to technical data, reference products for bioequivalence studies, and other support intended to help with regulatory approval in those countries. — Ed Silverman, STAT, 25 Sep. 2026 The company is asking the FCC for approval to replace the technology with modern fiber and wireless coverage. — Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 25 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for approval

Recent Examples of Synonyms for approval

Noun

As Sand tries to steer the conversation away from partisanship, the first noticeable thing about his campaign is the color scheme of his yard signs, which avoid standard-issue patriotic colors in favor of green and orange.

— Peter Slevin, New Yorker, 21 Sep. 2026
After years of sellers holding the upper hand, the US housing market is subtly shifting in buyers’ favor.

— Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of favor

Noun

But maybe, Atlanta native and Midtown resident John Henry Hinkel suggested, Hollywood’s departure is more a blessing than a curse.

— Felicia Feaster, AJC.com, 24 Sep. 2026
Also back is Wilder, albeit only his voice, which has been, somewhat controversially, recreated in AI with the blessing of his wife, Wilder himself having died in 2016.

— K.J. Yossman, Variety, 23 Sep. 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

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
The Provisional Government has not assumed a republican or other constitutional form, but has remained a mere executive council or oligarchy, set up without the assent of the people.

— Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of assent

Noun

Holding procedural votes on the Husted and Collins proposals would also eat up floor time requiring them to remain in session beyond this week.

— Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 24 Sep. 2026
The ordinance, which passed in a 4-3 vote, tightens rules for how personal electric vehicles can be operated, including where they can be ridden, speed restrictions, equipment requirements and penalties for violations.

— Noah Daly, Idaho Statesman, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of vote

Noun

In a nod to the brand’s Brazilian roots, Brazil nut oil (rich in vitamin E and fatty acids including omegas 3 and 6) adds nourishing emollient benefits, while rice bran oil and dimethicone soften skin and keep moisture from escaping.

— Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 19 Sep. 2026
Peach cobbler is a rotating staple, a nod to the Southern woman who was her father’s immigration sponsor.

— Leah Asmelash, CNN Money, 19 Sep. 2026

Definition of nod

Noun

On a longer flight, having some additional neck support can make a significant difference.

— Julie Rousseau, Travel + Leisure, 26 Sep. 2026
Days passed without the administration providing Impacted Party 1 any traditional support services, that would have included time off.

— Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 26 Sep. 2026