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

However, continuity in leadership is not to be confused with an acceptance that status quo is good enough. —Miami Herald, 20 Nov. 2025

But Milwaukee can reduce the impact of Woodruff’s acceptance of the qualifying offer by negotiating a multi-year deal with a lower annual average value. —Will Sammon, New York Times, 19 Nov. 2025

Cowell's devotion to revitalizing the language earned him acceptance and formal adoption by an Arapaho family. —Anna Alejo, CBS News, 19 Nov. 2025

Before shipment, each vehicle underwent delivery and acceptance trials to confirm compliance with technical documentation and performance specifications, said a representative from the military acceptance office. —Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 19 Nov. 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