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

Relevance

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 Despite the data centers having yet to gain approval, hundreds of acres of land were cleared. — Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 4 Oct. 2026 To gain city approval, Alcala underwent several phases of review, starting with the mandatory application process. — Tania Azhang, Sacbee.com, 3 Oct. 2026 Due to federal law, states cannot end daylight saving time without congressional approval. — Rena Rowe, The Washington Examiner, 3 Oct. 2026 Muse also asks for approval before certain sensitive actions. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 3 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for approval

Recent Examples of Synonyms for approval

Noun

When the probate judge ruled in the family’s favor, the state brought in a lawyer from Attorney General William Tong’s office to try to overturn the decision.

— Ginny Monk, Hartford Courant, 28 Sep. 2026
Critics also say the hourly fees paid to arbitrators provide them with a financial incentive to rule in Kaiser’s favor so they will be selected for future cases.

— Melody Petersen, Los Angeles Times, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of favor

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

Throughout our conversation, in fact, the pair chuckles, nods along to each other’s answers, interjects sounds of assent.

— Matt Brennan, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2026
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

Definition of assent

Noun

Chris Klomp, who was nominated to serve as deputy secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, was advanced out of the Senate Finance Committee last week on a 15 to 12 vote.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 1 Oct. 2026
Wednesday’s Senate vote, among its last before senators go home to campaign ahead of the election, fell short of the chamber’s 60-vote threshold to advance with a tally of 57-43.

— Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of vote

Noun

Vintage photographs and century-old artifacts nod to the property's original incarnation.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Sep. 2026
The video’s nod also anchors the returning Best Dance category, which was given out regularly for decades starting in 1989, but hasn’t been awarded since 2019.

— Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of nod

Noun

Families may continue a pregnancy, deliver their baby, hold and comfort their child, create memories and receive bereavement support.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 3 Oct. 2026
Between 2005 and 2024, Chinese firms received, on average, three to eight times more government support than firms in OECD countries.

— Sam Birchall, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of support

Noun

Key Races The Miami Herald Editorial Board — a separate entity from the Herald newsroom — has made endorsements in a series of statewide and South Florida races.

— Miami Herald staff, Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2026
The absence of an endorsement is a setback for the Likud party politician, who has billed his tight ties to Trump as a selling point for keeping him in power.

— SEUNG MIN KIM, Arkansas Online, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of endorsement

Cite this Entry

Style

“Approval.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/approval. Accessed 5 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of approval

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

perseverate

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

More Commonly Mispronounced Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

7 Great Ways to Say 'Great'

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

7 Great Ways to Say 'Great'

The Longest Long Words List

Games & Quizzes