approval

noun

ap·​prov·​al ə-ˈprü-vəl 

: an act or instance of approving something : approbation

The change is subject to the committee's approval.

see also:

on approval

Synonyms of approval

• favor
• blessing
• approbation
• assent
• vote
• nod
• support
• endorsement

Examples of approval in a Sentence

children who never gained their parents' approval

Do I have your approval to make the changes?

The rally will be on May 19, provided the city gives its approval.

The government has so far withheld approval of the drug.

We were required to get approvals at each stage of the project.

Recent Examples on the Web

Mars drives your 10th House of Career forward, while Saturn in your 8th House of Shared Resources clarifies obligations, approvals, and support. — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 July 2026

With the full City Council giving approval, Chicagoland is likely stuck with Barclay and Eaddy until at least September 2029. — Nik Hunder, Chicago Tribune, 19 July 2026

Trump has faced low approval numbers amid issues with the economy and the Iran war. — Jay Stahl, USA Today, 19 July 2026

In June, a local watchdog group called Citizens for a Friendly Airport filed its third in a series of lawsuits against the Board of Supervisors, challenging the board’s approval of commercial flights at the airport. — Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

see approve

First Known Use

1613, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing approval

• approval rating
• find approval/favor
• meet with one's approval
• on approval
• pre-approval
• seal of approval
• stamp of approval

Rhymes for approval

• removal
• disapproval
• reapproval
• uveal

Kids Definition

approval

noun

ap·​prov·​al ə-ˈprü-vəl 

: an act or instance of approving