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

The website also lists dates and locations of upcoming special passport acceptance fairs, where appointments may not be required. —Eve Chen, USA Today, 10 Apr. 2026

During his life, Bambaataa scored 16 entries on the British charts, a sign of how his music found greater acceptance in Europe than the States. —Mosi Reeves, Rolling Stone, 9 Apr. 2026

Despite those thoughts, Sasse said there has been acceptance and an effort to make the remaining time meaningful. —Francie Ebert, NBC news, 9 Apr. 2026

An unconventional friendship with the rebellious, daring huntress Sely supports her journey to self-realisation and acceptance. —Matthew Carey, Deadline, 8 Apr. 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