as in favorable
expressing approval
the play did not receive a single approving notice
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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Recent Examples of approving
Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 31 Oct. 2025
When some in the group expressed interest in joining the early-morning bread run, the captain gave an approving blink of surprise.
—David Dickstein, Oc Register, 30 July 2025
Ben Christopher, Los Angeles Times, 14 Feb. 2026
If the legislature so wished, the majority could vote to repeal each of the medical marijuana laws currently in place, with Stitt approving each decision.
—Josh Kelly, Oklahoman, 13 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for approving
Adjective
An expressive Spanberger, at times gesticulating in a Tim Walz-like manner, bantered with Spanish-speaking supporters seated before her, eliciting slight chuckles and approving nods scattered around the eatery.
—Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 31 Oct. 2025
When some in the group expressed interest in joining the early-morning bread run, the captain gave an approving blink of surprise.
—David Dickstein, Oc Register, 30 July 2025
Verb
Building code officials might be extra cautious or extra slow in approving a project for the same reason.
—Ben Christopher, Los Angeles Times, 14 Feb. 2026
If the legislature so wished, the majority could vote to repeal each of the medical marijuana laws currently in place, with Stitt approving each decision.
—Josh Kelly, Oklahoman, 13 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for approving
Recent Examples of Synonyms for approving
Adjective
-
Another option would be converting a pair of their two-way players to team-favorable standard contracts, perhaps Myron Gardner and Jahmir Young, and then backfilling their two-way spots, with two-way players allowed to be signed until March 4.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
5 Feb. 2026
-
The pick coming back to Denver will be the least favorable of the Clippers’ and Hawks’ second-rounders this year.—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
America’s ratification that year broke a logjam of inaction by nations that had signed the agreement but were wary about actually ratifying it as a legal document.—
Gary W. Yohe,
The Conversation,
10 Jan. 2026
-
Key members led by Saudi Arabia and Russia agreed on Sunday to keep production levels steady through the end of March, once again ratifying a decision first made in November to suspend last year’s sequence of swift increases.—
Grant Smith,
Fortune,
4 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Both readings were less than anticipated, in a positive sign for consumers.—
Steve Kopack,
NBC news,
13 Feb. 2026
-
And participating in sports that emphasize body functionality over physical appearance can have a positive effect on athletes’ overall well-being.—
Emily Hemendinger,
The Conversation,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The agency released a statement confirming the purchase but failed to disclose the site location.—
Julianna Duennes Russ,
Austin American Statesman,
5 Feb. 2026
-
Those fears, coupled with the manager airing his frustrations publicly and confirming his intention to leave when his contract expires in the summer, played a significant part in driving their approach to the mid-season market.—
Matt Woosnam,
New York Times,
4 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Meanwhile, makeup artists think spring breakers will pack their best cushion-y, cloud lips instead of their icy alternatives.—
Kaleigh Werner,
Footwear News,
13 Feb. 2026
-
Kansas City figured its best sales pitch centered on its facilities and its location in the heart of America.—
Sam McDowell
Updated February 13,
Kansas City Star,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
But the public body won't move forward with the process of shutting down the site and finalizing the sale to the city until the FAA gives the green light.—
Jordan Smith,
IndyStar,
3 Feb. 2026
-
The Las Vegas Raiders are working toward finalizing an agreement to make Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak their head coach, a person with knowledge of the discussions said Sunday.—
MARK ANDERSON,
Arkansas Online,
2 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Trump relaunched his effort to boost the coal industry last April, signing an executive order authorizing the administration to produce energy with coal and prioritize its growth.—
Callie Patteson,
The Washington Examiner,
11 Feb. 2026
-
The country cheered then-President Barack Obama for authorizing the raid that killed Osama bin Laden.—
Editorial,
Boston Herald,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Now, the president himself has weighed in on the race, publicly endorsing District Attorney Clay Fuller.—
Irene Wright,
USA Today,
5 Feb. 2026
-
The Los Angeles City Council on Tuesday signed off on a plan to give financial relief to Palisades fire victims who are seeking to rebuild, endorsing it nearly 10 months after Mayor Karen Bass first announced it.—
David Zahniser,
Los Angeles Times,
3 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Approving.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/approving. Accessed 19 Feb. 2026.
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