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

Mosquitoes were set to be treated with Zenivex E20, one of the safest insecticides approved for use by the state department of environmental protection, according to Allegheny County Health Department. — Finch Walker, USA Today, 4 Aug. 2026

About every five years, I would get upgraded pumps and sensors that were approved by the Food and Drug Administration and covered by my insurance. — Dana P. Goldman, STAT, 4 Aug. 2026

The Rancho Cordova City Council approved an additional $40,000 in funding for a traffic analysis of the future downtown arena project, set to bring arena soccer and other entertainment to the city. — Camryn Dadey, Sacbee.com, 4 Aug. 2026

The House Energy and Commerce Committee approved the bill in May, sending it to the full House for possible consideration. — Chase Hunter, Mercury News, 4 Aug. 2026

Phrases Containing approve

• approve (of)