APPROVAL Synonyms: 52 Similar and Opposite Words

approval

noun

ə-ˈprü-vəl

Definition of approval

as in favor

an acceptance of something as satisfactory does this poster I made for the recital meet with your approval?

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 approval The agent drafted the message and sent it back to Bird for approval. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 23 Aug. 2026 Zelensky said that earlier this year the Defense Ministry had told him that Musk’s SpaceX had agreed to allow Ukraine to use Starlink over Russian territory to carry out deep-strike operations, subject to political approval. — Samya Kullab, Los Angeles Times, 23 Aug. 2026 Specialised protective seals made in China have reportedly received Airbus approval for use on engines powering A330 aircraft operating in the country. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 22 Aug. 2026 There is nothing less liquid than a sports franchise, which can’t be sold without the approval of the league and a super majority of the owners after a months-long process. — Mike Lupica, New York Daily News, 22 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for approval

Recent Examples of Synonyms for approval

Noun

In a country where current and former governors command massive grassroots support and are often accused of working with local electoral officials to manipulate election results, analysts say the defections could work in Tinubu’s favor.

— ABC News, ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026
Fedorov was credited with turning the tide of the war in Ukraine's favor, increasing Ukraine's strikes deep into Russia tenfold and bolstering its domestic arsenal.

— CBS News, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of favor

Noun

On Tuesday, developers with Boise’s Conger Group secured the Meridian City Council’s blessing to annex roughly 20 acres of land southeast of Lake Hazel and Locust Grove roads and build 167 houses there.

— Rose Evans August 20, Idaho Statesman, 20 Aug. 2026
The famous Norman invasion of England came with the blessing of Pope Alexander II—but why?

— Margherita Bassi, Popular Science, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of blessing

Noun

The team was slated for elimination under funding cuts for the upcoming fiscal year, following the approbation of a $9 billion budget, outlining $57 million in cuts to general fund departments, through a 4-1 vote on June 10.

— Reeti Malhotra, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2026
This too is greeted with collective approbation; everyone recognizes that this is the right thing to do.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 June 2026

Definition of approbation

Noun

The Provisional Government has not assumed a republican or other constitutional form, but has remained a mere executive council or oligarchy, set up without the assent of the people.

— Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 11 Aug. 2026
The United Kingdom’s Slavery Abolition Act received royal assent after passing Parliament.

— USA TODAY, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of assent

Noun

Bucky the Beaver, mascot of the Beavercreek Local Schools, visited the meeting ahead of the unanimous vote.

— ABC News, ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026
Still, the jury’s deliberations took more than 60 hours after an initial vote of eight for acquittal and four for guilty.

— Dan Kelly August 22, Kansas City Star, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of vote

Noun

Wilson celebrated his victory with family, friends and a 12-person junkanoo band that danced around the event hall, a nod to the new commissioner’s Bahamian roots.

— Michael Butler, Miami Herald, 19 Aug. 2026
Fellow judge Howie Mandel closed out the judges’ remarks with a nod to White.

— Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of nod

Noun

Wesseh said Liberia’s development needs may have influenced the government’s decision, with officials hoping the agreement would bring support from Washington.

— Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
Next, workers will install new cables, bolted into the five main branches, to stabilize the tree before removing the old supports.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026