green light

noun

: authority or permission to proceed

green-light

ˈgrēn-ˌlīt 

transitive verb

Synonyms of green light

• permission
• authorization
• consent
• granting
• sanction
• permit

Examples of green light in a Sentence

we were given the green light to use the town commons for our fund-raiser

Recent Examples on the Web

There is no official green light from Prime Video, but given the performance on the platform and abundant source material hopes are running high. —Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 12 Mar. 2026

Just two weeks ago Rivian launched RAD, which is short for the Rivian Adventure Department, and is basically the automaker’s former skunkworks operation gone legit with a budget and green light. —Joel Feder, The Drive, 12 Mar. 2026

The critical design review will give the final green light to a 10-satellite fleet designed to address blind spots in America’s aging missile defense. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 11 Mar. 2026

Similarly, approving the overlay does not automatically green light any actual housing projects, Nakamura noted. —Sierra Lopez, Mercury News, 11 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

from the green traffic light which signals permission to proceed

First Known Use

1937, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for green light

• affright
• airtight
• albite
• alight
• alright
• aplite
• aright
• bainite
• birthright
• bobwhite
• bornite
• bullfight