ratify

verb

Save Word

rat·i·fy | \ ˈra-tə-ˌfī

ratified; ratifying

Definition of ratify

transitive verb

: to approve and sanction formally : confirm ratify a treaty

Other Words from ratify Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about ratify

Keep scrolling for more

Examples of ratify in a Sentence

A number of countries have refused to ratify the treaty. Lincoln's home state of Illinois was the first to ratify the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which provided for the abolition of slavery.

Recent Examples on the Web Lawmakers already are expected to return to the Capitol in special session later this fall to ratify a legal settlement with the state’s hospital industry and to adopt a bonding package and capital plan for this fiscal year and next. — Keith M. Phaneuf, courant.com, "Lamont gives nursing homes a temporary reprieve," 13 Sep. 2019 So the California legislature passed legislation to ratify the Dynamex ruling while also limiting its scope. — Timothy B. Lee, Ars Technica, "California passes bill that threatens Uber and Lyft’s business model," 12 Sep. 2019 The White House hopes to send legislation to ratify the USMCA to Congress in September following the summer recess. — Sara Cook, CBS News, "Top labor leader says 2020 Democrats must consider union-brokered health insurance plans," 29 Aug. 2019 The Indonesian parliament still needs to ratify the plan. — Jason Daley, Smithsonian, "Indonesia Plans to Build a New Capital on Borneo," 27 Aug. 2019 This is the 100th anniversary of women gaining Congress’s nod to ratify the vote for women: and next year is the 100th anniversary of the states’ final ratification of women’s vote. — Betty Folliard, Twin Cities, "Betty Folliard: ERA 2020 — let’s finish what the suffragists started," 25 Aug. 2019 French and German leaders have also threatened not to ratify a trade deal between the European Union and Mercosur countries to pressure Brazil into complying with its environmental pledges within the Paris Climate Agreement. — Fox News, "Brazilian environmental minister heckled over record Amazon fires: 'Stop Ecocide!'," 22 Aug. 2019 French and German leaders have also threatened not to ratify a trade deal between the European Union and Mercosur countries to pressure Brazil into complying with its environmental pledges within the Paris Climate Agreement. — Diane Jeantet, BostonGlobe.com, "Brazil’s Bolsonaro suggests NGOs setting Amazon fires, gives no proof," 22 Aug. 2019 Workers are also going to get a bonus for ratifying the deal of $250 to $3,000, depending on their years of experience. — Dallas News, "American Airlines' regional carrier Envoy agrees to new contract with 5,000 customer service agents," 14 Aug. 2019

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

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about ratify

Dictionary Entries near ratify

Statistics for ratify

Last Updated

27 Oct 2019

Cite this Entry

“Ratify.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ratifies. Accessed 21 November 2019.

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for ratify

ratify

verb

English Language Learners Definition of ratify

: to make (a treaty, agreement, etc.) official by signing it or voting for it

See the full definition for ratify in the English Language Learners Dictionary

ratify

verb

rat·i·fy | \ ˈra-tə-fī

ratified; ratifying

Kids Definition of ratify

: to give legal approval to (as by a vote)

ratify

transitive verb

rat·i·fy | \ ˈra-tə-ˌfī

ratified; ratifying

Legal Definition of ratify

: to make valid or effective especially : to adopt or affirm (as the prior act or contract of an agent) by express or implied consent with the effect of original authorization unable to rescind the contract because he ratified it by accepting the benefits — compare reform