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
• okay
• formalize
• warrant
• OK
• accredit
• affirm
• approbate
• homologate
• certify
• clear
• bless
• initial
• validate
• permit
• indorse
• pass
• enable
• allow
• legalize
• license
• sanctify
• rubber-stamp
• canonize
• sign off (on)
• licence
• 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

After that, the Forest Preserves will use funds voters approved through the November referendum, allowing the borrowing of up to $155 million for land acquisition and projects over the next decade. —Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 17 June 2025

The measure has to be approved by 60% of Florida voters to be implemented. —Kate Payne, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 June 2025

With director Gilbert Trejo — who was mentored by frequent White Stripes video director Autumn de Wilde — also interested in collaborating, White finally approved the project. —Devon Ivie, Vulture, 17 June 2025

All told, the text unveiled by the Senate Finance Committee Republicans provides the most comprehensive look yet at changes the GOP senators want to make to the 1,000-page package approved by House Republicans last month. —Preston Fore, Fortune, 17 June 2025

Phrases Containing approve

• approve (of)