APPROVINGLY Synonyms: 20 Similar and Opposite Words

approvingly

adverb

Definition of approvingly

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

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 approvingly Jason looked on approvingly as Travis made his Saturday Night Live hosting debut back in March 2023. — Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026 My father approvingly walked to the curb to examine Paul’s new BMW. — Literary Hub, 18 June 2026 Crosby, who has won nearly every NHL award there is to win except for a Lady Byng Trophy, stood a few feet away, looking on approvingly before joining the scrum. — Josh Yohe, New York Times, 27 May 2026 In the past, when tech companies laid off employees, the markets reacted approvingly. — Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 24 Apr. 2026 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

The future of the microcollege movement remains uncertain, but alumni like Coyne believe their own futures have been positively shaped by the experience.

— Kerry McDonald, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
Tillis, who spent much of his time at the hearing complaining about the Biden administration, seemed positively inclined toward Blanche.

— Quinta Jurecic, The Atlantic, 16 July 2026

Definition of positively

Adverb

More Democratic voters view socialism favorably than those who say the same of capitalism, 66 percent to 42.

— James Kirchick, The Atlantic, 21 July 2026
The unity shown in Ankara will only stimulate additional doubts over Moscow’s capacity to end the conflict favorably.

— Ihor N. Stelmach, Hartford Courant, 19 July 2026

Definition of favorably

Browse Nearby Words

approving

approvingly

approving (of)

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“Approvingly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/approvingly. Accessed 24 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of approvingly

adverb

Example Sentences

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