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

Advertisement So many of us are still so grateful to PBS for giving us a place to turn to for learning and acceptance. —Priscilla Blossom, Time, 2 Oct. 2025

So too is the family’s acceptance of Ozzy becoming increasingly unwell. —Marina Watts, PEOPLE, 1 Oct. 2025

The 20-point proposal was met with mixed reviews in Israel, where hard-right officials within Netanyahu’s own coalition fiercely rejected the prime minister’s acceptance of the plan. —Caitlin McFall, FOXNews.com, 30 Sep. 2025

His acceptance of a jet worth hundreds of millions from the government of Qatar this year raised additional questions. —New York Times, 29 Sep. 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