Synonyms of approve

approve

verb

ə-ˈprüv 

as in to ratify

to give official acceptance of as satisfactory

as soon as the pond project was approved, the bulldozers were at the site

Synonyms & Similar Words

• ratify
• confirm
• finalize
• endorse
• accept
• authorize
• sanction
• acknowledge
• sign
• okay
• formalize
• warrant
• OK
• accredit
• affirm
• approbate
• homologate
• certify
• clear
• bless
• initial
• validate
• permit
• indorse
• pass
• enable
• allow
• legalize
• license
• sanctify
• rubber-stamp
• canonize
• sign off (on)
• licence
• reapprove

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• deny
• reject
• disapprove
• negative
• veto
• disallow
• prohibit
• decline
• forbid
• turn down
• enjoin
• ban
• ignore
• proscribe
• refuse
• disregard
• neglect
• overlook
• interdict
• illegalize
• spurn
• rebut
• rebuff

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb approve differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of approve are accredit, certify, endorse, and sanction. While all these words mean "to have or express a favorable opinion of," approve often implies no more than this but may suggest considerable esteem or admiration.

the parents approve of the marriage

How are the words accredit and certify related as synonyms of approve?

Both accredit and certify usually imply official endorsement attesting to conformity to set standards.

the board voted to accredit the college

must be certified to teach

When might endorse be a better fit than approve?

Although the words endorse and approve have much in common, endorse suggests an explicit statement of support.

publicly endorsed her for Senator

When can sanction be used instead of approve?

In some situations, the words sanction and approve are roughly equivalent. However, sanction implies both approval and authorization.

the President sanctioned covert operations

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of approve

The late Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) kicked off the push in 2012 by lowering the threshold needed to approve executive branch and judicial nominations, other than Supreme Court choices. —Al Weaver, The Hill, 28 Aug. 2025

Seiberg noted the Fed Board typically approves regional Fed presidents in late January – around a month before their terms expire. —Matt Egan, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2025

The signing fell on the same day the Texas House approved legislation that would make ivermectin, a medication used to treat some parasites, available over the counter. —Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Aug. 2025

Levine Cava has said multiple times that county commissioners may revisit their May 6 decision to approve the mayor’s midyear spending package that included the final $10.5 million approved for the overall $46 million contribution to World Cup. —Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 16 Aug. 2025

Phrases Containing approve

• approve (of)