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
The President’s Cake, from a multiple award winner at Cannes, Iraqi filmmaker Hasan Hadi, a heartbreaking and unforgettable look at a country crushed by poverty and international sanctions — and ruled by a sadistic, greedy and vain tyrant. Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 5 Aug. 2025 Russia has continued to make billions from energy exports despite Western sanctions to try to apply pressure over the Ukraine war. Matthew Tostevin, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Aug. 2025
Verb
The director said the assailant had been identified by local residents as Yinon Levi, who is among a group of Israeli settlers operating in the West Bank, who have been sanctioned by the UK and the EU, while Donald Trump rescinded restrictions at the beginning of his presidency this year. Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 29 July 2025 The facility is sanctioned by the European Union, the U.S. and Japan. Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for sanction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sanction
Noun
  • Resolution was granted permission to join the lawsuit in 2023.
    Debra Utacia Krol, AZCentral.com, 16 Aug. 2025
  • Nicole Brownstein, the press secretary for the city’s public schools, said the agency has helped connect families with their permission to legal support and other resources.
    Cayla Bamberger, Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The product is approved for children as young as 2 years old and up to adults aged 49.
    Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Aug. 2025
  • Getting approved for disability takes time and isn’t easy, but many people succeed after filing an appeal.
    David Ozeri, Health, 16 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • What used to require a single prior authorization could now face multiple layers, which means more delays and higher denial rates.
    Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Aug. 2025
  • Restrictions should include prohibiting sharing information about residents, removing federal agents from local police facilities, and rescinding or narrowing authorizations to enforce local law.
    Spencer Reynolds, Time, 8 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The warrant means that Putin is unable to travel to countries that have ratified the Rome Statute.
    Mark Temnycky, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • The union also said Wednesday that workers with Super A Foods ratified their new contract last month.
    Pat Maio, Oc Register, 7 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Volunteers must be 21 and consent to background check.
    Joe Rassel, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Aug. 2025
  • Other information about the winner is released only with the winner's consent.
    Steven Martinez, jsonline.com, 6 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sanction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sanction. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on sanction

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