sanction 1 of 2

sanction

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb sanction differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of sanction are accredit, approve, certify, and endorse. While all these words mean "to have or express a favorable opinion of," sanction implies both approval and authorization.

the President sanctioned covert operations

How do accredit and certify relate to one another, in the sense of sanction?

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

In what contexts can approve take the place of sanction?

While the synonyms approve and sanction are close in meaning, approve often implies no more than this but may suggest considerable esteem or admiration.

the parents approve of the marriage

When would endorse be a good substitute for sanction?

The synonyms endorse and sanction are sometimes interchangeable, but endorse suggests an explicit statement of support.

publicly endorsed her for Senator

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 sanction
Noun
Aside from placing sanctions on Gaesa, the Administration has done little to change the status quo. Jon Lee Anderson, New Yorker, 29 Sep. 2025 Iran has seen rising public discontent over ballooning food prices, and the new sanctions will only add to those pressures. semafor.com, 29 Sep. 2025
Verb
None of these events are sanctioned or promoted by Swift or her team. Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2025 Guehi completed at least part of a medical and personal terms on a five-year contract to 2030 were also in place after an agreement between the two teams but Palace ultimately refused to sanction the deal. Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sanction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sanction
Noun
  • The Death card shows up as sacred permission to shed a layer that no longer serves you.
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Reprinted by permission of Scribner, an Imprint of Simon & Schuster, LLC.
    Ingrid Vasquez, PEOPLE, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Tesla’s board just recommended that shareholders approve a trillion-dollar pay package to incentivize Musk to focus on Tesla.
    Senior Editor, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Electronic Arts' Board of Directors has approved the acquisition, which is expected to be finalized in the first quarter of fiscal year 2027.
    Jillian Frankel, PEOPLE, 30 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Through Congressional authorization, President Calvin Coolidge was featured on the 1926 Sesquicentennial of American Independence Half Dollar alongside George Washington.
    Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Roberts has not had lawful employment authorization since December 2020, according to the complaint.
    Alexander Mallin, ABC News, 2 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • It’s been reported Engelbert may be out after the WNBA’s collective bargaining agreement is ratified.
    Raisa Habersham, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2025
  • It was reported not long after Collier’s press conference that Engelbert isn’t expected to be retained as commissioner once the new collective bargaining agreement is ratified.
    Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Most states are one party consent states, Heath said.
    Nushrat Rahman, Freep.com, 6 Oct. 2025
  • Other information about the winner is released only with the winner's consent.
    Steven Martinez, jsonline.com, 5 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sanction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sanction. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

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