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

Trump’s assertion of dictatorial power — and widespread acceptance of such power across American society — fatally broke the republic’s structure. —Joe Mathews, Mercury News, 25 Apr. 2025

Read the full Scorpio Daily Horoscope Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21) Root yourself in compassion and acceptance. —Usa Today, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025

Lawrence and the late pope’s acceptance allows viewers to interpret how the fictional Catholic Church — which was divided between staying in its traditionalist ways or adapting to the current times — will change in the future because of its new pope. —Caroline Blair, People.com, 23 Apr. 2025

Participate in events and activities that raise awareness and promote acceptance of autistic people. —Julie Kratz, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 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