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

Purple, presents a particular challenge since producing the color requires absorbing green light. — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 24 Aug. 2026

Jackson pointed to the eight projects that have launched or received a green light for production this year. — Ralphie Aversa, USA Today, 19 Aug. 2026

The property management plan for the former oil field in Newport Beach that is being turned into passive open space for the public got a green light from the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority governing board this week. — Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 14 Aug. 2026

The Department of Transportation’s permitting backlog, which this spring reportedly had hundreds of businesses waiting for a green light, hasn’t helped. — Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 13 Aug. 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