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

Earlier this year, the FDA approved a new medicine, XOCOVA, to prevent people from contracting the virus after exposure. — Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 15 Sep. 2026

Regulatory agencies generally approve therapies for specific diseases, not for aging itself. — Venki Ramakrishnan, Scientific American, 15 Sep. 2026

The agreement was approved by the DOE for Deep Fission’s pilot project in Parsons, Kansas. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 15 Sep. 2026

The commission recently approved Waymo’s expansion permit, allowing the company to pick up passengers in San Diego. — Rob Nikolewski, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Sep. 2026

Phrases Containing approve

• approve (of)