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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 council then has the final say in approving — or rejecting — Lucas’ nomination. — Dylan Lysen, Kansas City Star, 3 Sep. 2026 The league penalized Frank for his involvement with the impermissible endorsement arrangements and for approving impermissible expenses incurred by Leonard and his family. — ABC News, 2 Sep. 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
  • In particular, this bill would direct the nonpartisan agency to study the topic of overpayments to Medicare Advantage plans in a manner that’s more favorable to insurers.
    — John Wilkerson, STAT, 16 Sep. 2026
  • This week has brought several recent polls showing Democrats with a favorable environment heading into November.
    — Davis Giangiulio, CNBC, 16 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
  • This is the second year in a row that the WMO has detected positive change in the ozone hole, but there are still some warning signs highlighted in the report.
    — Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 16 Sep. 2026
  • North Carolina is seeing a spike in positive COVID-19 cases as hospitals brace for an uptick in respiratory illnesses heading into fall, according to state and federal health data.
    — Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of positive
Verb
  • The previous day, Ukrainian forces struck an oil refinery more than 3,000 kilometers (1,800 miles) from Ukraine in Siberia, Ukraine’s General Staff said, confirming earlier reports.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 10 Sep. 2026
  • The memorandum begins a technical evaluation rather than confirming flight tests or launches.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of confirming
Adjective
  • Godspell opened in March 1973 to pretty good reviews and disappointing box office.
    — Victor Garber, Vulture, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Most credit cards have variable interest rates that track the prime rate banks charge their best customers.
    — Paul Wiseman, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of good
Verb
  • The Miami Hurricanes came close to finalizing their 2027 football schedule on Wednesday when UM’s nine conference opponents were announced by the Atlantic Coast Conference.
    — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Public comment is open, and the agencies will host an October hearing before finalizing the rules.
    — Kate Dore, CFP®, EA,Jessica Dickler, CNBC, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of finalizing
Verb
  • The Sacramento County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday unanimously approved a resolution authorizing a one-time parking rate hike at the airport’s daily lots, economy lots and garages.
    — Madison Smalstig, Sacbee.com, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Policymakers react The disconnect between plate sales and decal sales in South Dakota disappoints the two lawmakers who served as primary sponsors of the authorizing legislation in the state House and Senate.
    — Joshua Haiar, States Newsroom, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of authorizing
Verb
  • Manchin raised eyebrows by endorsing Collins against Democrat Troy Jackson, marking the second consecutive cycle Manchin has backed his former colleague.
    — Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Even Milei’s libertarian party voted to debate debt relief — without endorsing the proposals themselves — underscoring the mounting pressure on Milei as voters look beyond his success in taming inflation to concerns about jobs and wages.
    — Débora Rey, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 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 17 Sep. 2026.

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