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

Now the department will have to change what people have been approved for. —Daniel McFadin, Arkansas Online, 4 Nov. 2025

In the East Valley, Chandler residents will decide whether to approve bonds amounting to $475 million to pay for public safety, streets and parks. —Stephanie Innes, AZCentral.com, 4 Nov. 2025

If the proposals are approved, Johnson has the authority to veto either the purpose, the amount or the entire line item listed in any amendments approved by the Common Council. —Vanessa Swales, jsonline.com, 4 Nov. 2025

Since it was approved by the FDA three years ago, Kaiser Permanente’s nuclear medicine and medical oncology experts have treated more than 150 patients with Lu-177 PSMA (Pluvicto) in Northern California alone. —Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 4 Nov. 2025

Phrases Containing approve

• approve (of)