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

Disney+ has given a green light to Afterlife with Archie, an hourlong drama series based on the best-selling Archie comic book series by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa and Francesco Francavilla. — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 20 July 2026

As rush hour traffic stood still waiting for green lights, the protesters chanted for justice, no more deaths in the jail and a new sheriff. — Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 July 2026

The right formula will require time, creativity and a green light from the CFTC. — Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 14 July 2026

When an ocelot begins prowling the neighborhood and a mysterious green light appears in the sky, Bernardo is forced to confront the harsh, uncontrollable nature of growing up. — Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 13 July 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