Synonyms of pat on the back

pat on the back

phrase

as in approval

an acceptance of something as satisfactory

Her boss gave her a pat on the back for a job well done.

Synonyms & Similar Words

• approval
• favor
• blessing
• vote
• nod
• endorsement
• clean bill of health
• OK
• approbation
• assent
• backing
• rubber stamp
• support
• agreement
• ratification
• satisfaction
• sanction
• imprimatur
• consent
• benediction
• goodwill
• concurrence
• accession
• formalization
• acceptation
• finalization
• liking
• cachet
• thumbs-up
• countenance
• homologation

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• disapproval
• refusal
• rejection
• repudiation
• disfavor
• criticism
• dissatisfaction
• dislike
• disapprobation
• condemnation
• denunciation
• depreciation
• reproach
• disparagement
• censure
• reprehension
• opprobrium
• reprobation
• deprecation

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of pat on the back

Baker smiled widely, nodded his head, greeted Ortiz in Spanish, chuckled and walked over to Ortiz and Vladimir Guerrero, giving each of them hugs and pats on the back. — Jose De Jesus Ortiz, Los Angeles Times, 28 July 2026