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
Residents in Westboro, Massachusetts, are pushing back against Amazon's plans to launch drone deliveries in their community, overwhelmingly approving a new bylaw aimed at restricting the service. — Aaron Parseghian, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026 After the unanimous vote approving the Miami Vice subsidy, Garcia rejected that criticism in an interview with the Miami Herald. — Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 20 Oct. 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
  • The Michigan Senate contest is just one of the high-profile races where AIPAC has spent in favor of a pro-Israel politician or in opposition to someone the organization sees as less favorable to Israel.
    — Saige Miller, NPR, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Wedgewood polls tended to be about 1 percentage point more favorable for Democrats than other polls, according to Silver.
    — Jon Brodkin, ArsTechnica, 21 Oct. 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
  • At the same time, more than nine in 10 Americans say the federal government has the power to make a positive impact on society — suggesting many believe the current administration is not making use of that power.
    — Morgan Chalfant, semafor.com, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Just 39% of Americans say AI has a positive impact on society, compared with 44% who believe its impact is negative, according to a national survey conducted this month by my company, Outward Intelligence.
    — Will Johnson, Time, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of positive
Verb
  • Google’s statement is essentially a roundabout way of confirming that Workspace and Photos data may inform ads.
    — Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Swiss media quoted the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs as confirming the release of the Swiss woman.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of confirming
Adjective
  • SpaceX shares jumped nearly 8% on Wednesday, their best single-session performance since August.
    — Morgan Chittum, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The two musicians are so good at aping the sounds they were raised on that originality and reference become one and the same.
    — Andrew Ryce, Pitchfork, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of good
Verb
  • The transportation authority is finalizing a study in the coming weeks that evaluates strategies for protecting the seven miles of railroad through Dana Point and San Clemente for the next 30 years.
    — Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026
  • His team then assembles mood boards using references from films, music videos and other media before developing sketches and finalizing designs.
    — Tanya Fedak, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of finalizing
Verb
  • Council members approved the controversial resolution by a narrow vote of 8-7 late Monday, authorizing Mayor Andre Dickens and his administration to sell the Atlanta City Detention Center.
    — Shaddi Abusaid, AJC.com, 20 Oct. 2026
  • In 2023, Florida passed a law authorizing school districts to make menstrual hygiene products available, at no charge, in schools.
    — Natalie La Roche Pietri, Miami Herald, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of authorizing
Verb
  • His critics interpreted it as endorsing the massacre of Israeli civilians, though Abu Shehadeh and others vigorously denied that claim.
    — Tamir Sorek, The Conversation, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Leikauf’s announcement followed months of criticism from his predecessor, John D’Agostini, who served three terms as sheriff before endorsing Leikauf in 2022.
    — Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 20 Oct. 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 27 Oct. 2026.

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