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

The position requires approval from the Senate and comes with an ambassador title. —Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026

Russia’s reopening of its national pavilion—with the approval of Venice Biennale director Pietrangelo Buttafuoco—has sparked acrimony across the European art world and political sphere. —Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 27 Apr. 2026

Pending board approval, the announcement will be made Monday. —Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Apr. 2026

The stat came to light in a request Monday by Paramount for approval of the foreign ownership stake by the FCC. —Dade Hayes, Deadline, 27 Apr. 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

Kids Definition

approval

noun

ap·​prov·​al ə-ˈprü-vəl 

: an act or instance of approving