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, other traits like emotional acceptance or being highly goal-focused sometimes led to less supportive dynamics, suggesting that what’s adaptive for an individual may not always strengthen the relationship. —Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025

There were thanks for Lineker’s contributions from the BBC’s director general Tim Davie but also the acceptance that there could be no reconciliation this time. —Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 19 May 2025

Many of its pairs (including the Torin 8) have a seal of acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), meaning their designs are expert-approved for healthy feet. —Sara Coughlin, SELF, 16 May 2025

Fox News host Lisa Kennedy pushed back on President Trump’s acceptance of a jet from Qatar, a decision that has raised concerns about national security and his motivations during a trip to the Middle East this week. —Dominick Mastrangelo, The Hill, 15 May 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