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

Libra September 23 – October 22 A personal decision may expose how much outside approval still matters to you. — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 20 Sep. 2026

The Moon in your sign trines Chiron in your creative 5th house, encouraging you to show a side of yourself that isn’t polished for approval. — Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 19 Sep. 2026

The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) granted LAMP Critical Decision-1 (CD-1) approval on June 1, with authorization from the US Deputy Secretary of Energy. — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 19 Sep. 2026

According to the Equis Research poll, Trump’s approval on the economy is at a net negative of 45 points. — Hailey Bullis, The Washington Examiner, 19 Sep. 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