endorse

variants also indorse
Definition of endorsenext

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb endorse differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of endorse are accredit, approve, certify, and sanction. While all these words mean "to have or express a favorable opinion of," endorse suggests an explicit statement of support.

publicly endorsed her for Senator

How are the words accredit and certify related as synonyms of endorse?

Both accredit and certify usually imply official endorsement attesting to conformity to set standards.

the board voted to accredit the college
must be certified to teach

When would approve be a good substitute for endorse?

The synonyms approve and endorse are sometimes interchangeable, but approve often implies no more than this but may suggest considerable esteem or admiration.

the parents approve of the marriage

In what contexts can sanction take the place of endorse?

The words sanction and endorse are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sanction implies both approval and authorization.

the President sanctioned covert operations

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 endorse Every Black History Month Has a Theme Each year the president endorses a specific theme for Black History Month. Terri Huggins Hart, Parents, 28 Jan. 2026 Marnie Cooke, spokesperson for Noblesville Schools, said the school does not endorse or organize student political activism. Cate Charron, IndyStar, 28 Jan. 2026 Steve Scalise endorses Houston Gaines for Congress. Adam Beam, AJC.com, 27 Jan. 2026 Elsewhere on the Mecklenburg County Commission, the BPC endorsed incumbent Democrats Leigh Altman, Arthur Griffin and Yvette Townsend-Ingram for the board’s at-large seats and George Dunlap in District 3. Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 27 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for endorse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for endorse
Verb
  • The organization advocates for bell-to-bell bans that require phones to be stored out of reach, saying stricter rules can improve student and teacher satisfaction.
    Kayla Huynh, jsonline.com, 30 Jan. 2026
  • Cooper also advocated for a change in federal law to speed up the funding distribution.
    Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 30 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The designer honors his Azerbaijani heritage, working with artisans from across Azerbaijan and Georgia to create rich, unique textures, while helping to support rural communities and preserve fading artisanal skills.
    Amy O’Brien, Vogue, 30 Jan. 2026
  • Democrats have vowed not to support the funding measure unless there are guardrails placed on the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
    Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 30 Jan. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Endorse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/endorse. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on endorse

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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