SINCE 1828

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approving

adjective ap·prov·ing \ ə-ˈprü-viŋ \

Definition of approving

:showing approval or acceptance

an approving nod/glance/smile

He surveyed through the park railings the evidences of the town's opulence and luxury with an approving eye.
—Joseph Conrad

—

approvingly

adverb

- nodded approvingly
- A number of media outlets have reported approvingly about two recent ads that show the efforts corporate America is making to court single women …
- —Kellyanne Conway

See approving defined for English-language learners

Recent Examples of approving from the Web

Japanese describe the pungent ramen odor in much the way cheese aficionados will make approving comparisons to barnyards and socks.

— todd pitock, Smithsonian, "You’ve Been Slurping Ramen All Wrong," 13 Jan. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'approving.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of approving

from present participle of approve

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1646

See Words from the same year

approving Synonyms

Synonyms

admiring, applauding, appreciative, approbatory, favorable, commendatory, complimentary, friendly, good, positive

Antonyms

adverse, depreciative, depreciatory, derogatory, disapproving, inappreciative, negative, unappreciative, uncomplimentary, unfavorable, unflattering, unfriendly

Related Words

accepting, warm; encomiastic, eulogistic, flattering, hagiographic (also hagiographical), laudative, laudatory, panegyrical, praiseful; respectful, supportive, sympathetic; adoring, adulatory, idolizing, worshipful, worshipping (also worshiping); advisory, recommendatory

Near Antonyms

captious, carping, caviling (or cavilling), censuring, critical, faultfinding, hypercritical, overcritical; belittling, contemptuous, disdainful, disparaging, scornful, slighting

Learn More about approving

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for approving Nglish: Translation of approving for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of approving for Arabic speakers

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