approve

verb

ap·​prove ə-ˈprüv 

approved; approving

transitive verb

1

: to have or express a favorable opinion of

couldn't approve such conduct

2

a

: to accept as satisfactory

hopes she will approve the date of the meeting

b

: to give formal or official sanction (see sanction entry 1 sense 4c) to : ratify

Congress approved the proposed budget.

3

obsolete : prove, attest

intransitive verb

: to take a favorable view

doesn't approve of fighting

Synonyms of approve

• ratify
• confirm
• finalize
• endorse
• accept
• authorize

Choose the Right Synonym for approve

approve, endorse, sanction, accredit, certify mean to have or express a favorable opinion of.

approve often implies no more than this but may suggest considerable esteem or admiration.

the parents approve of the marriage

endorse suggests an explicit statement of support.

publicly endorsed her for Senator

sanction implies both approval and authorization.

the President sanctioned covert operations

accredit and certify usually imply official endorsement attesting to conformity to set standards.

the board voted to accredit the college

must be certified to teach

Examples of approve in a Sentence

I don't care if all the other parents are letting their kids do it; I still don't approve.

The state has approved the building plans, so work on the new school can begin immediately.

Your supervisor must approve the report before it can be sent.

Recent Examples on the Web

The New York Times, citing unnamed US officials, said the agreement would be announced Wednesday while the Wall Street Journal said Trump had now formally approved the deal. — Arpita Dasika, CNN Money, 22 July 2026

Last year, Holscher and Corson both voted to approve a 20-year sales tax exemptions for developers who commit to investing $250 million and creating at least 20 permanent jobs. — Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 22 July 2026

The Fort Worth City Council approved a $31 million incentive package for the company in that same month as part of an effort to bring more office development to the area at a time when West 7th was primarily known for its bars and nightclubs. — Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 July 2026

If it’s approved Wednesday by the full City Commission, a second and final vote would follow later. — Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 22 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French apruer, approver, from Latin approbare, from ad- + probare to prove — more at prove

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 3

Phrases Containing approve

• pre-approve

Rhymes for approve

• disprove
• improve
• remove
• reprove
• disapprove
• groove
• move
• prove

Kids Definition

approve

verb

ap·​prove ə-ˈprüv 

approved; approving

1

: to think well of

2

: to accept as satisfactory

approvingly

-ˈprü-viŋ-lē 

adverb

Legal Definition

approve

transitive verb

ap·​prove

approved; approving

: to give formal or official sanction to : ratify

Congress approved the proposed budget