endorse

verb en·dorse \ in-ˈdȯrs , en- \

variants: or less commonly indorse play \in-ˈdȯrs\

|Updated on: 5 Aug 2018

Definition of endorse

endorsed; endorsing

1 a : to write on the back of; especially : to sign one's name as payee on the back of (a check) in order to obtain the cash or credit represented on the face

b : to inscribe (one's signature) on a check, bill, or note

c : to inscribe (something, such as an official document) with a title or memorandum

d : to make over to another (the value represented in a check, bill, or note) by inscribing one's name on the document

e : to acknowledge receipt of (a sum specified) by one's signature on a document

2 a : to approve openly

endorse an idea

; especially : to express support or approval of publicly and definitely

endorse a mayoral candidate

b : to recommend (something, such as a product or service) usually for financial compensation

shoes endorsed by a pro basketball player

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endorsable

play \in-ˈdȯr-sə-bəl, en-\ adjective

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endorsee

play \in-ˌdȯr-ˈsē, ˌen-\ noun

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endorser

play \in-ˈdȯr-sər, en-\ noun

See endorse defined for English-language learners

See endorse defined for kids

Examples of endorse in a Sentence

The newspaper has endorsed the conservative candidate for mayor.
We do not endorse their position.
She endorses a line of clothing.
That brand of sneaker is endorsed by several basketball stars.
You must endorse the check before you deposit it in the bank.

Recent Examples of endorse from the Web

Alvarez, who endorsed Moreno, couldn’t seek re-election this year because of term limits.

— david garrick, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Candidate won't seek recount in battle for slot in San Diego council runoff," 10 July 2018
Among them is Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a Democratic Socialist who recently defeated one of the most powerful Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives and who has endorsed Nixon (and vice versa).

— refinery29.com, "Cynthia Nixon: "If Mike Pence Is Attacking Me, I'm Doing Something Right"," 6 July 2018
The patriarchal approach is enthusiastically endorsed by the politically dominant Hindu nationalist movement, spearheaded by Narendra Modi, the prime minister.

— The Economist, "Culture and the labour market keep India’s women at home," 5 July 2018
Jen Rubin is a person who not only endorsed Mitt Romney and pushed very hard for Mitt Romney.

— Fox News, "Nunes tightens screws in his probe into surveillance abuses," 3 July 2018
Along with Cloud, two other Republicans appeared on the ballot, including former Texas Water Development Board chairman Bech Bruun, who has endorsed Cloud.

— sean sullivan, chicagotribune.com, "Republican wins Texas special election to succeed disgraced GOP congressman," 30 June 2018
Along with Cloud, two other Republicans appeared on the ballot, including former Texas Water Development Board chairman Bech Bruun, who has endorsed Cloud.

— chronicle wire services, Houston Chronicle, "GOP’s Cloud wins special election for Farenthold’s Congressional seat," 30 June 2018
These strategies are endorsed by many of Seattle’s newer residents, many of whom work in its burgeoning tech industry.

— dae shik kim hawkins, The Atlantic, "An App for Ejecting the Homeless," 28 June 2018
Campbell was endorsed by Michael Steele, the former Republican National Committee chairman and a former Maryland lieutenant governor.

— Bloomberg.com, "Ben Cardin Wins Maryland Senate Democratic Primary Over Chelsea Manning," 27 June 2018

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

Origin and Etymology of endorse

alteration of obsolete endoss, from Middle English endosen, from Anglo-French endosser, to put on, don, write on the back of, from en- + dos back, from Latin dorsum

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1581

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

endorse Synonyms

Phrases

go in for, go to bat for, hold a brief for, stand up for, stick up for;

Synonym Discussion of endorse

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

Other Business Terms

amortize, caveat emptor, clearinghouse, divest, due diligence, emolument, green-collar, marque, overhead, perquisite

ENDORSE Defined for English Language Learners

endorse

verb

Definition of endorse for English Language Learners

: to publicly or officially say that you support or approve of (someone or something)
: to publicly say that you like or use (a product or service) in exchange for money
: to write your name on the back of (a check)

ENDORSE Defined for Kids

endorse

verb en·dorse \ in-ˈdȯrs \

Definition of endorse for Students

endorsed; endorsing

1 : to show support or approval for

endorse an idea

2 : to sign the back of to receive payment

endorse a check

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endorsement

\-mənt\ noun

Law Dictionary

endorse

transitive verb en·dorse

variants: also indorse \in-ˈdȯrs\

legal Definition of endorse

endorsed also indorsed; endorsing also indorsing

1 : to write on the back of; especially : to sign one's name as payee on the back of (an instrument) in order to receive the cash or credit represented on the face

endorse a check

2 : to inscribe (as one's signature or a notation accompanied by one's signature) on an instrument (as a note or bill) especially to transfer or guarantee it

3 : to transfer (an instrument) to another by inscribing one's signature