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

Alicia Kearns, the shadow national security minister and prominent critic of the project, described the approval of the embassy as handing Beijing a strategic advantage against British interests. —Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 14 Jan. 2026

The listing closes by saying no one should approach the island without approval. —Michael Guise, CBS News, 13 Jan. 2026

The project that received final approval for its permit last week, Elk Development’s Brown Road Solar farm in Taneytown, will take up about 20 acres in Carroll County’s agricultural zoning district. —Lily Carey, Baltimore Sun, 13 Jan. 2026

Several environmental groups have asked the Public Service Commission to reconsider its decision last month to grant Georgia Power the go-ahead on a historic expansion of its power fleet, arguing the legal standard for approval was not met. —Kristi Swartz, AJC.com, 13 Jan. 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
• 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