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 Those same experts suggested that even with permanent approval, long-term oil drilling in the region also could be a high-stakes gamble. — Andre Mouchard, Oc Register, 9 Aug. 2026 The company is targeting entry into service after regulatory approval, currently expected in 2028. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 9 Aug. 2026 Cox said this weighs most heavily on young people, for whom peer approval matters most. — Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 9 Aug. 2026 According to figures compiled for this story, some 330,735 Haitian nationals had received TPS approval in the United States as of March 31, though advocates say that the universe of people affected extends well beyond that official number. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 8 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for approval

Recent Examples of Synonyms for approval

Noun

Overall, the balance of power has clearly shifted in Syria’s favor, the analysis argued, but Syria has no interest or plans to eject Russia altogether.

— Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 11 Aug. 2026
While a driver may still be convicted of an OWI/DUI offense in the absence of any biochemical evidence, the particular set of circumstances surrounding Romo’s arrest could work in his favor.

— Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of favor

Noun

And now Ripp, who has his own contentious family connection to Joel, had both Mann and Mazur’s blessings to make a movie with it.

— Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 12 Aug. 2026
Amache Prowers Memorial Park CBS There was a blessing of the park Tuesday morning during its opening.

— Jennifer McRae, CBS News, 12 Aug. 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

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
The United Kingdom’s Slavery Abolition Act received royal assent after passing Parliament.

— USA TODAY, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of assent

Noun

Amigo swept both the four-judge jury and the public Facebook vote for a flawless costume entry with a knight-like look.

— ABC News, ABC News, 16 Aug. 2026
The new assignments could give Harris-Dawson a base of support the next time there’s a vote on his presidency.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of vote

Noun

Namely, the playing of the Dam Busters theme tune ahead of kick-off as a nod to how the nearby RAF Scampton was the base during the Second World War of 617 Squadron, as immortalised in the 1955 film of the same name.

— Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
Saint Laurent gave the fashion nod of approval by dressing Hailey Bieber in a butter-yellow iteration paired with an orange nylon windbreaker for its spring-summer 2026 catwalk show.

— Fiona Embleton, Glamour, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of nod

Noun

Not everyone has enough resources and support to turn to in real life, the 22-year-old said.

— ABC News, ABC News, 10 Aug. 2026
The edges of your lawn and garden provide the perfect habitat for these plants, while fences and retaining walls can give support to growing poison ivy vines.

— Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of support

Noun

Blakeman launched his campaign with an early endorsement from the president and welcomed him to Long Island on Friday for a tour of a police facility in Nassau County.

— David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 15 Aug. 2026
To win over these hyper-selective young consumers, the report’s authors said brands must shift away from top-of-funnel marketing like creator endorsements and focus on tangible value and real-world utility.

— Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 14 Aug. 2026