approve

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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of approve Also, in 2023 RSV vaccines for older adults and pregnant people were finally approved, and that may have protected more individuals. Tanya Lewis, Scientific American, 4 Feb. 2025 Recognizing the crisis, state regulators had just approved new rules that will allow insurers to set higher rates, in exchange for writing more policies in fire-prone areas. Liz Baker, NPR, 4 Feb. 2025 The move requires health agencies to have all external communications approved by a presidential appointee before issuing them and is expected to last through the end of January, CNN reported. Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 24 Jan. 2025 The country’s dedication to improving infrastructure is further exemplified by the renovation of Amahoro Stadium, which now features a 45,000-seat capacity and is approved by FIFA and CAF. Sindiswa Mabunda, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for approve 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for approve
Verb
  • The 22nd Amendment of the Constitution, which was ratified in 1951 after Franklin D. Roosevelt's record-setting tenure in office, currently states that no person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice.
    Charna Flam, People.com, 11 Feb. 2025
  • The Prior Lake City Council approved the reinstatement of school resource officers (SROs) at its March 26 meeting, and the Prior Lake-Savage Area School Board is scheduled to vote on ratifying the agreement on April 8.
    Jacqueline Devine, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • As first reported by Axios and confirmed by Variety, Disney is changing the disclaimer that autoplays before these titles.
    Jennifer Maas, Variety, 11 Feb. 2025
  • The Senate is also set to vote on whether to confirm the remaining Trump Cabinet picks, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Health and Human Services secretary. fairness meter fairness meter Newsweek is committed to journalism that's factual and fair.
    Ewan Palmer, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison, who credited Pelinka with rumors of the trade not getting out before the deal was finalized, spoke with reporters on Sunday after the trade was officially made earlier in the day.
    Khobi Price, Orange County Register, 3 Feb. 2025
  • Adoptions were finalized in a joint ceremony on Dec. 27 in Edwardsville.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 3 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The Food and Drug Administration has endorsed irradiation as safe for food products, citing 30 years of research, but labeling is required when used.
    Ben Markus - Colorado Public Radio, NPR, 4 Feb. 2025
  • Listen to this article Longtime Manhattan Rep. Jerrold Nadler is endorsing Scott Stringer’s campaign for mayor, making Stringer the first candidate in the 2025 race to secure support from a member of New York’s congressional delegation.
    Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 4 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Adams is not the only politician who has been charged with accepting bribes from a foreign country.
    Nick Akerman, New York Daily News, 6 Feb. 2025
  • But by the end of season four, Maddie had all but accepted an offer to work at a independent publishing house in New York City.
    Jessica Radloff, Glamour, 6 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Rapid firings and hirings across agencies may create uncertainty about who is authorized to access key systems.
    Sam Sabin, Axios, 11 Feb. 2025
  • On Monday, the club brought back former general manager Farhan Zaidi in a special advisor role, according to a person with knowledge of the situation who wasn’t authorized to speak publicly.
    Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 10 Feb. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near approve

Cite this Entry

“Approve.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/approve. Accessed 17 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on approve

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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