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

This mindset shift is essential for reducing fear of AI and increasing acceptance. —Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025

Fons' belief in public education drives his concern about the acceptance of voucher and charter schools in Milwaukee and elsewhere. —Mia Thurow, jsonline.com, 12 Aug. 2025

By contrast, far larger waves, such as the European Union’s reception of millions of Ukrainians after Russia’s 2022 invasion or Israel’s acceptance of Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe after the fall of the Soviet Union, drew less resistance. —Alexander Kustov, Foreign Affairs, 12 Aug. 2025

Only a few years ago, there was a movement away from diet culture toward body acceptance, but now diet-culture is roaring back. —Alicia Garceau, NPR, 10 Aug. 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