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

With Xi’s approval, momentum built quickly. —Chang Che, New Yorker, 8 Mar. 2026

Republican approval was extremely high, but not as lopsided as Democratic disapproval. —Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 8 Mar. 2026

Eakins, the chief investment officer at Standard Life Plc, will take over as CEO subject to regulatory approval, PIC said in a statement Monday, confirming an earlier Bloomberg News report. —Leonard Kehnscherper, Bloomberg, 8 Mar. 2026

Any effort to create new brackets, levy a local income tax surcharge, or adjust who pays what requires state approval. —Tiffany Caban, New York Daily News, 8 Mar. 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