rub·ber-stamp
ˈrə-bər-ˈstamp 
rubber-stamped; rubber-stamping; rubber-stamps
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
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
H. L. Mencken
b
: a routine endorsement or approval
Examples of rubber-stamp in a Sentence
Noun
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 on the Web
Raphael Orlove, Robb Report, 23 Sep. 2025
In 2008, bankers packaged risky mortgages into securities because their bonuses rewarded volume over quality; meanwhile rating agencies rubber-stamped these securities for fees.
—Steve Booren, Denver Post, 21 Sep. 2025
Trena Turner, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Sep. 2025
That meant she would not be permitted to exercise her scientific expertise or protect the agency’s independence – she would be forced into the role of a rubber stamp.
—Arthur L. Kellermann, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rubber-stamp
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Verb
Lots of fly-by-night import shops sprang up, happy to rubber-stamp any Mercedes with a catalytic converter haphazardly welded under the floorboards.
—Raphael Orlove, Robb Report, 23 Sep. 2025
In 2008, bankers packaged risky mortgages into securities because their bonuses rewarded volume over quality; meanwhile rating agencies rubber-stamped these securities for fees.
—Steve Booren, Denver Post, 21 Sep. 2025
Noun
Instead of standing as a safeguard, Congress has abdicated its responsibility and has been a rubber stamp for the president’s unconstitutional whims.
—Trena Turner, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Sep. 2025
That meant she would not be permitted to exercise her scientific expertise or protect the agency’s independence – she would be forced into the role of a rubber stamp.
—Arthur L. Kellermann, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rubber-stamp
Cite this Entry
“Rubber-stamp.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rubber-stamp. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share