rubber-stamp

verb rub·ber-stamp \ ˈrə-bər-ˈstamp \

|Updated on: 4 Jul 2018

Examples: rubber-stamp in a Sentence

Definition of rubber-stamp

rubber-stamped; rubber-stamping; rubber-stamps

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

See rubber-stamp defined for English-language learners

See rubber-stamp defined for kids

First Known Use of rubber-stamp

1893

in the meaning defined at sense 2

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

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

See rubber stamp defined for English-language learners

See rubber stamp defined for kids

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

But then, both have largely been rubber stamps on Trump’s cabinet and judicial appointees.

— eric levitz, Daily Intelligencer, "The Fate of Abortion Rights in America May Now Lie With These Senators," 27 June 2018
Tuesday’s vote at the National Assembly, which is widely regarded as a rubber stamp for the government, was conducted amid strict security, with police placing barricades at the roads leading to the building.

— james hookway, WSJ, "Vietnam Tightens Grip on Internet With Data-Storage Law," 12 June 2018
Meanwhile, the county commission has ended up playing rubber stamp to expedited deals without proper vetting, as in the case of the American Dream mega mall in Northwest Miami-Dade.

— fabiola santiago, miamiherald, "Miami’s charismatic new mayor wants more power. But is that a good thing? | Miami Herald," 3 May 2018
As a result, the A Team was probably ill prepared to learn early on that neither Congress nor the courts would rubber stamp the president’s agenda.

— kathryn dunn tenpas, Washington Post, "Trump set a record for White House staff turnover in the first year," 16 Jan. 2018
All this plays into something that’s quite common in fashion—the phenomenon of trends seeming to only get the rubber stamp of approval when Western, white people embrace them.

— hoda katebi, Glamour, "When You Wear a Turtleneck You’re Elegant; When I Wear One, I'm Oppressed," 10 May 2018
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 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

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