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 The rates at which immigration judges grant protection to immigrants seeking asylum vary widely, for instance; New York City courts have some of the highest approval rates, while courts in Houston have among the lowest. — Nick Miroff, The Atlantic, 26 July 2026 Tim Bakken, speaking to dozens of colleagues at a faculty meeting, argued that none of them should be forced to seek approval before publishing papers or giving speeches, as a policy unveiled that day would require. — Hannah Natanson, Washington Post, 26 July 2026 Lake is against new data center construction in Jackson County and supports further limits on future zoning approvals for the sites on a county level. — Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 25 July 2026 Lincoln County planning staff recommends approval of the improvements in the developers’ traffic study. — Joe Marusak july 25, Charlotte Observer, 25 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for approval

Recent Examples of Synonyms for approval

Noun

In February, following administrative court rulings in Consorte’s favor, the ministry finally greenlighted the tests, which will be led by a team of scientists, including Consorte, and a member of the National Research Council.

— Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 21 July 2026
Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s move followed widespread protests triggered by the removal of the country’s popular, young defense minister, who spearheaded an embrace of technology in the war against Russia, helping shift the tide in Kyiv’s favor.

— J.D. Capelouto, semafor.com, 21 July 2026

Definition of favor

Noun

What schools said about name change Queens and Elon in September announced plans to merge that became official in June after the universities’ accrediting agency gave its blessing.

— Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 23 July 2026
There’s a small percentage of guys that go to the NFL, but even at that, to be a first-round pick, to be one of 32, like that’s such a blessing.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 23 July 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 mother colony did not assent.

— Ann Manov, Harpers Magazine, 23 June 2026
In April 2024 Togo’s National Assembly approved a new constitution that, pending presidential assent, would change the country’s form of government from a presidential to parliamentary system.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 11 June 2026

Definition of assent

Noun

Four Republicans, three Democrats and one Libertarian are jockeying for votes to succeed Graves this year.

— Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 26 July 2026
People targeted a commissioner’s business by setting up a protest and intentionally leaving negative reviews to try to influence his vote.

— David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 25 July 2026

Definition of vote

Noun

In a nod to the owners trying to get MLB to look more like the NBA or the NFL, the MLBPA proposed the possibility of trading draft picks in the first ten rounds, something that is not currently allowed.

— Dan Freedman, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
An additional nod is needed toward special teams coordinator Jay Harbaugh, who coached one of the most exciting units in the NFL last season — and one that gave Seattle a serious edge throughout the postseason.

— Jourdan Rodrigue, New York Times, 21 July 2026

Definition of nod

Noun

Willett faced some blowback after touting an endorsement from Eric DeValkenaere, the first Kansas City police officer ever convicted for killing a Black man.

— Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 26 July 2026
Campaign signs are plastered across the district, town halls have been hosted, endorsements bestowed, Sunday sermons preached.

— Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 25 July 2026