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 Moderation Management, a member-run nonprofit founded in 1994, is a popular and professionally endorsed alternative to the abstinence approach. Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 18 Sep. 2026 In two South Florida congressional districts, the Sun Sentinel Editorial Board endorses long-time Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz and, in an open seat, newcomer Pia Dandiya. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 18 Sep. 2026 Green Party candidate Jill Stein endorsed a Green New Deal in her 2016 presidential campaign, as did Sanders. Tracy Grant, Encyclopedia Britannica, 18 Sep. 2026 Instead, party task forces (known as work teams) are mobilized to draft the verdict, colleagues from their workplace endorse it, and then a committee at a higher level of administration ratifies it. Andrew Mertha, Foreign Affairs, 17 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for endorse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for endorse
Verb
  • In her interview with AP, Mohammadi -- who has been jailed repeatedly over decades of advocating for human rights and was behind bars when she was awarded the Nobel Prize -- described her most recent arrest, detention and health.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 20 Sep. 2026
  • Detention was ‘life-threatening’ Mohammadi, 54, who has been jailed repeatedly over decades of advocating for human rights and was behind bars when she was awarded the Nobel Prize, described her most recent arrest, detention and health.
    Amir-Hussein Radjy, Los Angeles Times, 20 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Singer-songwriter Aaron Rowe and Danish band Lukas Graham, who had been expected to support Sheeran on upcoming North American dates, both withdrew from the tour.
    Anna Tingley, Variety, 20 Sep. 2026
  • This November, Broward voters will decide whether to renew the one-mill property tax referendum that supports school safety, mental health services and employee compensation.
    Roberto Fernandez III, Sun Sentinel, 20 Sep. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Endorse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/endorse. Accessed 22 Sep. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster