APPROVING Synonyms: 116 Similar and Opposite Words

approving 1 of 2

adjective

ə-ˈprü-viŋ

Definition of approving

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

Building and approving an agent should be tightly restricted. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2026 Set to vote on a multi-year budget stabilization and fiscal sustainability framework resolution for future years after approving the budget, board member Rick Riddle was among those who sought certainty. — Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 1 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for approving

Recent Examples of Synonyms for approving

Adjective

The National Business Aviation Association and other aviation groups argue tax breaks help support jobs while spending millions lobbying to preserve their favorable treatment.

— Mia Osmonbekov, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2026
Even as Democrats target his Virginia district to capitalize on a favorable 2026 environment, McGuire is doing the opposite of Republicans in some competitive races, who are softening their ties to Trump.

— Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 30 Sep. 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

Huncho spoke to Complex about how fatherhood has already brought positive change to his life.

— Michael Saponara, Billboard, 29 Sep. 2026
Like so many actors who grew up in Hollywood, Raven says the industry shaped her own self-image in many ways—positive, negative, and neutral.

— Kara McGrath, Allure, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of positive

Verb

The men – identified only as British nationals between the ages of 23 and 25 and from London area – were quickly released on bail with police confirming no explosives were found in three vans at the scene.

— Kara Fox, CNN Money, 30 Sep. 2026
In the meantime, the owner receives a text and email confirming that the package has arrived and evaluation is underway, with updates picking up where shipment tracking leaves off.

— Kaitlyn Gomez, Miami Herald, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of confirming

Adjective

As ever, the lineup is a mix of new features from Asia’s best auteurs, a sprinkling of Hollywood movies and projects from up-and-coming filmmakers.

— Abid Rahman, HollywoodReporter, 1 Oct. 2026
It’s been a mixed bag of depressing and good; in the latter category is that my skin has never been better.

— Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of good

Verb

In September 2022, the City Council approved a $175,000 settlement with Dougan in that case, according to documents authorizing the payment.

— Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 30 Sep. 2026
Between your wallet and the coffee shop sit a custodian holding your balance, a program manager running the card, a sponsor bank whose BIN it is issued under, a processor authorizing the swipe and the network that clears it.

— Shawn Yu, Forbes.com, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of authorizing

Verb

Multiple employees at leading AI companies are endorsing the bill.

— Joey Cappelletti, Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2026
In a poll provided to Axios, the president’s pollster urged Republican candidates not to say clippable pro-data center things on camera, while endorsing consumer-friendly regulations on data center construction.

— David Weigel, semafor.com, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of endorsing

Browse Nearby Words

approves (of)

approving

approvingly

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Approving.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/approving. Accessed 6 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of approving

adjective

verb

Example Sentences

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