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 Brad Raffensperger declined to endorse most Republicans this year, including Mike Collins. Adam Beam, AJC.com, 17 Aug. 2026 This Contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, SoundCloud, Podbean, or Anchor. August 16, NPR, 16 Aug. 2026 Social Security Works’ political action committee endorses candidates based on their platforms for Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. Lorie Konish, CNBC, 16 Aug. 2026 Organizers from Faith in Florida, which occupied a purple booth away from the people pushing individual candidates, stressed that the group does not endorse candidates or tell people who to vote for. Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 15 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for endorse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for endorse
Verb
  • In the two years since the accident, Alicia, 35, has taken on the role of caregiver for her 37-year-old husband, supporting his therapy exercises, managing appointments and advocating for him within the medical system.
    Meredith Wilshere, PEOPLE, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Immigration advocates’ concerns about this second contract announcement focussed on whether the organization was capable of filling that gap.
    Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 15 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • That ability is probably there for just about every retailer, even the tiniest ones, according to Linda Toth, executive director of Conexxus, an industry technology group that supports convenience stores and gas stations.
    David Goldman, CNN Money, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The distinctive frame already resembles the aircraft that will eventually soar through Titan’s dense orange skies, complete with landing skids, support arms for its eight rotors and the housing for its nuclear power system.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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