rubber-stamp

verb rub·ber-stamp \ ˈrə-bər-ˈstamp \

Updated on: 9 May 2018

Definition of rubber-stamp

transitive verb

1 : to approve, endorse, or dispose of as a matter of routine or at the command of another

2 : to mark with a rubber stamp

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See rubber-stamp defined for kids

First Known Use of rubber-stamp

1893

in the meaning defined at sense 2

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rubber stamp

noun

Definition of rubber stamp

1 : a stamp of rubber for making imprints

2 a : a person who echoes or imitates others

b : a mostly powerless yet officially recognized body or person that approves or endorses programs and policies initiated usually by a single specified source

the parliament was a rubber stamp for the dictator

3 a : a stereotyped copy or expression

the usual rubber stamps of criticism
—H. L. Mencken

b : a routine endorsement or approval

—

rubber-stamp

play \ˈrə-bər-ˈstamp\ adjective

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Examples of rubber stamp in a Sentence

The legislature has been nothing more than a rubber stamp for the President.
an author who was ultimately just another rubber stamp of Hemingway

Recent Examples of rubber stamp from the Web

The executive board is often seen as a rubber stamp, and even more so the full membership.

— stephen wade, Houston Chronicle, "IOC leaves decision on Russians at Olympics until Sunday," 24 Feb. 2018
The press was muzzled, the National Assembly a rubber stamp, and the political opposition rendered impotent by persistent, often brutal suppression.

— olivia b. waxman, Time, "How Drama Between North and South Korea Threatened the Olympics 30 Years Ago," 8 Feb. 2018
House Financial Services Chairman Jeb Hensarling, a Texas Republican who routinely vilifies the Dodd-Frank Act, convened a press briefing with two other lawmakers Thursday to make clear that the House won’t rubber stamp the Senate bill.

— elizabeth dexheimer, Bloomberg.com, "Senate’s Rollback of Banking Rules Faces Headwinds in House," 15 Mar. 2018
The Parliament is widely viewed as a rubber stamp for the Kremlin, and its members rank among the least popular public officials in Russia.

— oleg matsnev, New York Times, "Russian News Outlets Boycott Parliament After Harassment Decision," 22 Mar. 2018
Just because the Marvel Comics brand had served as a box-office rubber stamp for nearly 10 years didn’t mean the formula could be easily replicated elsewhere.

— david sims, The Atlantic, "Why Ava DuVernay and Warner Bros Are a Great Match," 18 Mar. 2018
A few dozen protested for the National Assembly to resign, denouncing it as little more than a rubber stamp for Jammeh.

— anna pujol-mazzini, The Christian Science Monitor, "After fall of a dictator, young Gambians push into politics," 12 Mar. 2018
The executive board is often seen as a rubber stamp, and even more so the full membership.

— stephen wade, chicagotribune.com, "Confusion reigns as IOC hedges on what to do about Russians," 23 Feb. 2018
The vote scheduled for late March has been criticized by detractors as little more than a rubber stamp after his most viable challengers were either disqualified from the race or withdrew.

— tarek el-tablawy, Bloomberg.com, "As Sinai Conflict Deadline Approaches, Militant Deaths Mount," 12 Feb. 2018

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

First Known Use of rubber stamp

1873

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

rubber stamp Synonyms

Synonyms

aper, copycat, copyist, echo, follower, imitator, wannabe (also wannabee);

Related Words

parrot;

ape, emulator, impersonator, impressionist, mimic;

RUBBER-STAMP Defined for English Language Learners

rubber-stamp

verb

Definition of rubber-stamp for English Language Learners

: to approve or allow (something) without seriously thinking about it

rubber stamp

noun

Definition of rubber stamp for English Language Learners

: a small tool that consists of a handle attached to a piece of carved rubber and that is dipped in ink and then pressed on paper to print a date, name, symbol, etc.
: a person or organization that automatically approves everything that someone does or decides