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

Now all that was left was the judge’s approval of the settlement. — Todd Spangler, Variety, 3 Oct. 2026

With another 64 fighters still outstanding and a separate $14 billion arms package awaiting approval, the real test of Washington’s commitment will not be the arrival of two jets, but whether the rest follow. — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 3 Oct. 2026

The poll found his approval had declined by 5 points since the newspaper’s previous surveys in four of the states in June. — Rena Rowe, The Washington Examiner, 3 Oct. 2026

Muse also asks for approval before certain sensitive actions. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 3 Oct. 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