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 Majorities of Americans also disapprove of how Trump is handling every issue measured, and for many issues, Trump is at or near record-low approvals. — ABC News, 18 Oct. 2026 The next step once a contract is finalized is getting state regulatory approval, according to the city. — Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 18 Oct. 2026 Its existing approvals do not remove the need to integrate and certify the system as part of Valo. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026 Carrying a budget in the mid-$20 millions, Sense and Sensibility holds a 75 percent approval from Rotten Tomatoes critics and an 89 score from audiences. — Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 17 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for approval

Recent Examples of Synonyms for approval

Noun

Netanyahu has been accused of offering or exchanging favors with wealthy associates and media moguls for political gain.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 12 Oct. 2026
That familiarity has certainly worked in the movie’s favor among some viewers, particularly those invested in its maximalist approach to both familial melodrama and semi-surreal scares.

— Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of favor

Noun

This, in some ways, could be a blessing for Harry and Meghan and a curse for those in royal circles.

— Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026
Pope Leo revealed the discovery of the growth on his lung during his Sunday noon prayer — which was broadcast to the world on live television — almost as an aside toward the end of his blessing.

— Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 14 Oct. 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

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

Not only will the risk of Russian interference be at an all-time high, but a nationwide vote will create high concentrations of civilians ripe for strikes.

— Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 15 Oct. 2026
Fan votes kept him on the show until Tuesday, when he and Carson, and her burgeoning baby bump, were eliminated.

— Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of vote

Noun

The latest items in the line are inspired by the Trunk Edition men’s capsule collection launched last February, while leather goods nod to the 130th anniversary celebrations of the brand’s signature Monogram.

— Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
Quiroz asserts Mission Lotería — the name is a nod to a Mexican card game — would not have opened had the team not pitched their vision to a panel overseeing the city’s storefront opportunity grants.

— Terry Tang, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of nod

Noun

One reason for his endorsement is that Bass declined to consent to Mejia performing an audit into her signature homelessness program Inside Safe.

— Noah Goldberg, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026
If endorsement is withdrawn, the Home Office may curtail the visa.

— Bernardo Saraiva, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026