approving 1 of 2

adjective

ə-ˈprü-viŋ How to pronounce approving (audio)
Definition of approvingnext
as in favorable
expressing approval the play did not receive a single approving notice

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

approving

2 of 2

verb

present participle of approve
as in ratifying
to give official acceptance of as satisfactory as soon as the pond project was approved, the bulldozers were at the site

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 approving
Adjective
Leaders spend less time approving and more time setting direction and context. — Anna Drobakha, Forbes.com, 19 May 2026 My hostess stands in the middle of her guests and offers me the slightest of nods, the quick upward pull of an approving smile. — Danielle Parker, CBS News, 8 Mar. 2026
Verb
The Centennial City Council banned some micro-mobility vehicles from some public spaces after unanimously approving the ordinance during Tuesday's meeting. — Jennifer McRae, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026 The city discussed setting aside money for the project while approving its $491 million budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year in June. — Camryn Dadey, Sacbee.com, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for approving
Recent Examples of Synonyms for approving
  1. favorable
  2. ratifying
  3. positive
  4. confirming
  5. good
  6. finalizing
  7. authorizing
  8. endorsing
Adjective
  • Sulfolane has received less favorable assessments under more recent solvent-selection guidance, including concerns around reproductive toxicity.
    — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 26 Aug. 2026
  • That, coupled with a favorable schedule featuring home games against TCU, BYU, Baylor, Arizona State and Iowa State, should help the Knights become bowl-eligible for the first time since the 2023 season.
    — Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of favorable
Verb
  • Hence, the National Players Basketball Association plans to talk with the NBA about ratifying the CBA to alter spending restrictions.
    — Mark Medina, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
  • The European Union and the United States took one ultra-laborious step forward in ratifying their bilateral trade deal in late June.
    — Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 23 July 2026
Definition of ratifying
Adjective
  • The economic outlook is also largely positive despite the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
    — Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 21 Aug. 2026
  • According to the health department, nearly twice as many sample groups of mosquitoes tested positive for West Nile virus this year compared to the same time last year.
    — Katie Houlis, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of positive
Verb
  • North Korea remained silent for months about its initial deployment of troops to help Russia’s war machine, only confirming its soldiers were fighting against Ukraine in April 2025.
    — Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Bridges and overhangs were clean, confirming excellent exposure calibration and the printer's ability to resolve intricate features without sacrificing dimensional accuracy.
    — Michael Lydick, PC Magazine, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of confirming
Adjective
  • Members also flagged strong anticipation from North American press and said a Netflix awards team is preparing a campaign for the film that extends to a best picture push.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 25 Aug. 2026
  • These seven hotels and experiences are for the active voyager who is never too far from their golf clubs, knows where all the best tennis courts are and is always game for a new sport.
    — Catherine Garcia, TheWeek, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of good
Verb
  • Sources have told The Star that Sporting KC is finalizing a deal to acquire a U-22 initiative player.
    — Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Iran and Oman are working on finalizing details of an agreement to control the Strait of Hormuz, according to a senior ​Iranian source, Reuters reported.
    — Justina Lee,Alex Harring, CNBC, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of finalizing
Verb
  • In that case, voters had already approved an amendment in April authorizing mid-decade redistricting when the court ruled that lawmakers last year had waited too long to take an initial step necessary to qualify it for the ballot.
    — David A. Lieb, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Congress eventually approved a bill authorizing water projects nationwide.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of authorizing
Verb
  • Tubman asked Douglass to write a letter endorsing her character and accomplishments for inclusion in the book.
    — Katie Angell Britannica Editors Aug. 24, Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Abdul El-Sayed endorsing you as the next majorityLeader if Democrats retake control of the Senate.
    — NBC news, NBC news, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of endorsing

Browse Nearby Words

approves (of)
approving
approvingly
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Approving.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/approving. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

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