as in positively
in an approving manner
she smiled approvingly at the child who was performing onstage
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of approvingly
Pynchon is clearly a huge fan of detective fiction and quotes approvingly from the genre while not quite wanting to immerse himself fully within it.
—
Literary Hub, 10 Dec. 2025
Rotwood approvingly sees no such sentimentality in Wednesday.
—Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2025
Behind you, the fountain burbles approvingly.
—Mackenzie Chung Fegan, San Francisco Chronicle, 20 June 2024
Literary Hub, 10 Dec. 2025
Rotwood approvingly sees no such sentimentality in Wednesday.
—Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2025
Behind you, the fountain burbles approvingly.
—Mackenzie Chung Fegan, San Francisco Chronicle, 20 June 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for approvingly
Adverb
-
Couric noted that his parents — Kennedy and Ed Schlossberg — were not portrayed particularly positively in the show.—
Rebecca Cohen,
NBC news,
17 Apr. 2026
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While there was no major breakthrough, representatives from both countries spoke positively about the more than two-hour meeting.—
NPR Staff,
NPR,
16 Apr. 2026
Adverb
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The poll found that favorability rating held true for both political parties, with 84% of Catholic Republicans and 89% of Catholic Democrats viewing him favorably.—
Kinsey Crowley,
USA Today,
14 Apr. 2026
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Even now — as Dems appear to be surging — polling suggests that fewer than 40% of Americans view the Democratic Party favorably.—
Matt K. Lewis,
Twin Cities,
12 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Approvingly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/approvingly. Accessed 21 Apr. 2026.
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