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 Once a corduroy suit has been declared practical, quietly subversive, and fictitiously endorsed by a punk legend, restraint doesn’t come easily. — John Vorwald, Robb Report, 10 Oct. 2026 Raki made waves by publicly endorsing CMS candidates before his tenure was up, including two who were running for Nunn’s and Easley’s seats. — Charlotte Observer, 10 Oct. 2026 Sanabria likes to point out that no one currently sitting on the City Commission has endorsed him. — Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 10 Oct. 2026 His opposition to the California proposal wasn't enough to dissuade the state Democratic Party's executive board from endorsing the measure earlier this year. — ABC News, 9 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for endorse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for endorse
Verb
  • Finally, Louise herself, who had since left the region and was now twice divorced, returned to advocate for the historical importance of her old home, which never did receive official landmark status, locally or otherwise.
    — Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Human rights lawyer Rosy Auguste Ducena, who advocates for the rights of victims of violence, says the Haitian public is fed up with the slow pace of change.
    — Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The ban had been imposed by the central elections committee, a political body dominated by Netanyahu allies, on the basis that the parties supported armed struggle against Israel.
    — The Week UK, TheWeek, 18 Oct. 2026
  • For a government overseeing a population dominated by mobile expats, that created a lot of uncertainty in terms of establishing an economic base that can support a welfare system and basic state infrastructure.
    — Mia Osmonbekov, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Endorse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/endorse. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!