approving 1 of 2

adjective

ə-ˈprü-viŋ How to pronounce approving (audio)
Definition of approvingnext
as in favorable
expressing approval the play did not receive a single approving notice

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

approving

2 of 2

verb

present participle of approve
as in ratifying
to give official acceptance of as satisfactory as soon as the pond project was approved, the bulldozers were at the site

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of approving
Adjective
Leaders spend less time approving and more time setting direction and context. — Anna Drobakha, Forbes.com, 19 May 2026 My hostess stands in the middle of her guests and offers me the slightest of nods, the quick upward pull of an approving smile. — Danielle Parker, CBS News, 8 Mar. 2026
Verb
Shortly after approving the settlement in a unanimous vote, the police jury took up a motion to appoint seven people to the Vermilion Parish Industrial Development Board, a body that had been defunct for nearly 30 years. — ABC News, 27 Oct. 2026 After two years of approving much of the president's agenda and rarely speaking out against the White House, Senate Republicans may find that distinction hard to draw. — Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 27 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for approving
Recent Examples of Synonyms for approving
  1. favorable
  2. ratifying
  3. positive
  4. confirming
  5. good
  6. finalizing
  7. authorizing
  8. endorsing
Adjective
  • The district was widely viewed as more favorable to Republicans following redistricting, but Singer expressed confidence that his support extends beyond GOP voters.
    — Abby Dodge, CBS News, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Having an audience will yield a favorable or adverse outcome, and that outcome hinges largely on one’s ability to impress, or at least satisfy, those who sit in judgment.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of favorable
Verb
  • Hence, the National Players Basketball Association plans to talk with the NBA about ratifying the CBA to alter spending restrictions.
    — Mark Medina, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
  • The European Union and the United States took one ultra-laborious step forward in ratifying their bilateral trade deal in late June.
    — Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 23 July 2026
Definition of ratifying
Adjective
  • Carls pointed out that in the huddle during the timeouts, Campbell stayed upbeat and positive.
    — Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026
  • In May, Filosa laid out a five-year plan to achieve positive free cash flow by 2027.
    — Sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of positive
Verb
  • Running a ground transportation business has taught me that confirming the booking is usually the easy part.
    — Anoush Shamaei, Forbes.com, 30 Oct. 2026
  • The changes often added a day or more to delivery time and pushed back postmarking, an official mark confirming an envelope has been received by the Postal Service.
    — ProPublica, ProPublica, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of confirming
Adjective
  • While the bathrooms in most accommodations feature walk-in showers, a few of the upstairs rooms have bathtubs, making those rooms a good choice for families.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Thunder star Jalen Williams, the team’s second-leading scorer and best all-around defender during its title run two seasons ago, fractured a fibula and dislocated his left ankle in a gruesome injury Sunday.
    — Andrew Greif, NBC news, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of good
Verb
  • Nearly two years after finalizing their divorce, Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck have reportedly found their way back to each other.
    — Allison DeGrushe, StyleCaster, 27 Oct. 2026
  • The band struggled to pin down the final track list, finalizing it barely a month ago.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of finalizing
Verb
  • The new charter schools sponsored by Pasco-Hernando State College and the University of West Florida will also be situated on their authorizing HEI’s campus.
    — Thibaut Delloue, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Scams involving direct payments A scammer tricks you into authorizing a wire transfer, sending money through a payment app or purchasing gift cards.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of authorizing
Verb
  • Maryland's Governor Wes Moore, who is endorsing an independent candidate in one key Senate race, joins me here on the studio.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Alex Wong | Getty Images The American Israel Public Affairs Committee, better known as AIPAC, plans to stop endorsing candidates, making direct PAC contributions and earmarking contributions to candidates.
    — Luke Fountain, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of endorsing

Browse Nearby Words

approves (of)
approving
approvingly
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Approving.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/approving. Accessed 3 Nov. 2026.

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