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 approved by the NCAA, the Rams’ last season spent in the NAIA would be 2027–28, with their first year in Division II being 2028-29. —Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Feb. 2026

The all-electric vehicle service will allow riders to move anywhere within the city and help address cracks in the current public transit system that left students and others ‘stranded,’ according to the Sunnyvale City Council, which unanimously approved the service this week. —Luis Melecio-Zambrano, Mercury News, 25 Feb. 2026

State law requires the agreement to be ratified by covered officers and firefighters and approved by the City Council. —Chase Rogers, Dallas Morning News, 25 Feb. 2026

What council is being asked to approve Council members will consider a Fair Park funding and development agreement between the City of Dallas and Fair Park First, a Texas nonprofit corporation formed to help improve Fair Park. —Lauren Crawford, CBS News, 25 Feb. 2026

Phrases Containing approve

• approve (of)