approve
verb
\
Definition of approve
1 : to have or express a favorable opinion of couldn't approve such conduct
2a : 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.
: to take a favorable view doesn't approve of fighting
Keep scrolling for more
Synonyms & Antonyms for approve
Synonyms
accredit, approbate, authorize, clear, confirm, finalize, formalize, homologate, OK (or okay), ratify, sanction, warrant
Antonyms
decline, deny, disallow, disapprove, negative, reject, turn down, veto
Visit the Thesaurus for More
Examples of approve in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Even old-fashioned grandmothers would almost certainly approve. — Taysha Murtaugh, Country Living, "People Are Getting Tattoos Inspired by Their Grandmas’ Vintage Pyrex Patterns," 17 Aug. 2018 State lawmakers eventually approved the devices, over the objections of the board, the local fire marshal, and the Ohio Disability Rights Law and Policy Center. — Lara Sorokanich, Popular Mechanics, "The Popular Mechanics Guide to Safer Schools," 1 Aug. 2018 The Harford County Council narrowly approved that subsidy in 2012. — Luke Broadwater, baltimoresun.com, "As governor, Larry Hogan's real estate business continues to thrive — prompting questions," 13 July 2018 Council approved on consent Thursday morning adding several modern gun safety regulations to that agenda. — Kaila Contreras, Houston Chronicle, "Humble approves Safe Clear towing program at Thursday’s council meeting," 13 July 2018 The Senate last month approved, as part of a larger defense bill, a measure that would reinstate tough penalties on the company. — Claire Ballentine, New York Times, "U.S. Lifts Ban That Kept ZTE From Doing Business With American Suppliers," 13 July 2018 Judge Richard Leon approved the deal last month after a six-week trial ended in April. — Mike Snider, USA TODAY, "DOJ, in surprise move, will appeal AT&T-Time Warner merger," 12 July 2018 Town Council members on July 9 approved conducting a public hearing at 7 p.m. July 23 regarding the $50,000 appropriation from the fund expected to be needed pay for replacement paving. — Carrie Napoleon, Post-Tribune, "Highland expected to tap funds for downtown street repairs," 12 July 2018 Ireland's Senate approved legislation to boycott products made in Israeli settlements . — Sean Savage, Jewish Journal, "Ireland goes ahead with legislation to boycott products made in Israeli settlements," 12 July 2018These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'approve.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
More Definitions for approve
approve
verb
English Language Learners Definition of approve
: to believe that something or someone is good or acceptable
: to officially accept (an idea, action, plan, etc.)
See the full definition for approve in the English Language Learners Dictionary
approve
verb
\
Kids Definition of approve
1 : to think of as good I don't approve of the way those children behave.
2 : to accept as satisfactory The school committee approved the new curriculum.
approve
transitive verbLegal Definition of approve
: to give formal or official sanction to : ratify Congress approved the proposed budget
Keep scrolling for more
Comments on approve
What made you want to look up approve? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
Late Autumn 2018 Words of the Day Quiz
-
- Which is a synonym of yahoo?
Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZ
Share approve
Resources for approve