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

Connecticut also prohibits the use of vape flavors that are common in our neighboring states — flavors such as Orange Creamsicle, Mango, or Strawberry — despite their widespread availability and consumer acceptance right over our borders. —Rino Ferrarese, Hartford Courant, 27 Feb. 2026

See photos of Chase on the red carpet, his acceptance of the prestigious award, and the on-stage panel that followed the screening. —Michele Eve Sandberg, Sun Sentinel, 27 Feb. 2026

Public acceptance is also critical. —Srishti Gupta, Interesting Engineering, 27 Feb. 2026

Chan, by comparison, was a valedictorian candidate with an early college acceptance. —Sean Emery, Oc Register, 27 Feb. 2026

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