acceptance

noun

ac·​cep·​tance ik-ˈsep-tən(t)s 

ak-

1

: the quality or state of being accepted or acceptable

His theories have gained widespread acceptance.

2

: the act of accepting something or someone : the fact of being accepted : approval

acceptance of responsibility

3

law : an agreeing either expressly or by conduct to the act or offer of another so that a contract is concluded and the parties become legally bound

4

a

: the act of accepting a time draft or bill of exchange for payment when due according to the specified terms

b

: an accepted draft or bill of exchange

5

: acceptation sense 2

Examples of acceptance in a Sentence

her acceptance into the club

The university has sent me a letter of acceptance.

He delivered an acceptance speech after he was chosen as the party's presidential nominee.

Recent Examples on the Web

Once that happened, Scott waited for an acceptance letter. —Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 31 Oct. 2025

Aiden Bednarek, 22, similarly said the race represents more than just an electoral victory and a chance to further the acceptance of conservative beliefs. —Alex J. Rouhandeh, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2025

But when a grubby circus impresario, Fulbert Freakfinder, arrives offering Stitch Head a starring role in his freak show, our hero is tempted by the promise of love and acceptance. —Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 29 Oct. 2025

Robert Simonson, a cocktail historian who writes The Mix on Substack and has contributed to the Times, understands the reluctant acceptance of the drink. —The New York Times News Service Syndicate, Denver Post, 28 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Anglo-French, "agreement to abide by the act on another," from accepter "to accept" + -ance -ance

First Known Use

circa 1530, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Phrases Containing acceptance

• acceptance speech
• banker's acceptance
• find acceptance
• self-acceptance
• trade acceptance

Rhymes for acceptance

• nonacceptance

Kids Definition

acceptance

noun

ac·​cep·​tance ik-ˈsep-tən(t)s 

ak-

1

: the act of accepting

2

: the quality or state of being accepted or acceptable