Synonyms of approve

approve

verb

ə-ˈprüv 

as in to ratify

to give official acceptance of as satisfactory

as soon as the pond project was approved, the bulldozers were at the site

Synonyms & Similar Words

• ratify
• confirm
• finalize
• endorse
• accept
• authorize
• sanction
• acknowledge
• sign
• formalize
• warrant
• OK
• accredit
• approbate
• affirm
• homologate
• clear
• certify
• bless
• initial
• validate
• permit
• enable
• pass
• allow
• legalize
• license
• sanctify
• rubber-stamp
• canonize
• sign off (on)
• reapprove

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• deny
• reject
• disapprove
• negative
• veto
• disallow
• prohibit
• decline
• forbid
• turn down
• enjoin
• ban
• ignore
• proscribe
• refuse
• disregard
• neglect
• overlook
• interdict
• illegalize
• spurn
• rebut
• rebuff

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb approve differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of approve are accredit, certify, endorse, and sanction. While all these words mean "to have or express a favorable opinion of," approve often implies no more than this but may suggest considerable esteem or admiration.

the parents approve of the marriage

How are the words accredit and certify related as synonyms of approve?

Both accredit and certify usually imply official endorsement attesting to conformity to set standards.

the board voted to accredit the college

must be certified to teach

When might endorse be a better fit than approve?

Although the words endorse and approve have much in common, endorse suggests an explicit statement of support.

publicly endorsed her for Senator

When can sanction be used instead of approve?

In some situations, the words sanction and approve are roughly equivalent. However, sanction implies both approval and authorization.

the President sanctioned covert operations

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of approve

If the new bond is not approved, the district’s existing bond and interest tax rate is expected to decrease approximately 2 mills over the next five years and gradually decline until it is eliminated in 2041. —Kendrick Calfee february 11, Kansas City Star, 11 Feb. 2026

Those who are approved will receive a total of 18 free lawn mows from April through October, a set number each month, with no further scheduling or calls needed, according to an email from the city. —Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026

Congress approved a law directing the Justice Department to release all of its Epstein documents by late December with the names of women who accused him of abuse redacted. —Bart Jansen, USA Today, 11 Feb. 2026

In early February, the State House approved a map that was recommended by the Redistricting Advisory Commission. —Jt Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 11 Feb. 2026

Phrases Containing approve

• approve (of)