Synonyms of sanctions

sanctions 1 of 2

noun

plural of sanction

as in permissions

the approval by someone in authority for the doing of something

you cannot make a student video without your faculty advisor's sanction of its subject matter prior to shooting

Synonyms & Similar Words

• permissions
• authorizations
• consents
• permits
• allowances
• licenses
• warrants
• clearances
• signatures
• green lights
• leaves
• sufferances
• agreements
• grants
• accreditations
• seals
• certifications
• concurrences
• stamps
• tolerances
• concessions
• patents
• liberties
• acceptances
• imprimaturs
• acquiescences
• tolerations
• passes
• assents
• OKs
• accords

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• prohibitions
• proscriptions
• denials
• refusals
• revocations
• injunctions
• rejections
• interdictions
• taboos
• vetoes
• repressions
• embargoes
• exclusions
• discouragements
• suppressions
• bans
• deterrences

sanctions

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of sanction

as in approves

to give official acceptance of as satisfactory

the administration will sanction almost any field trip with educational value

Synonyms & Similar Words

• approves
• ratifies
• confirms
• endorses
• finalizes
• authorizes
• accepts
• signs
• warrants
• formalizes
• approbates
• homologates
• accredits
• acknowledges
• OKs
• affirms
• licenses
• permits
• clears
• blesses
• validates
• certifies
• signs off (on)
• sanctifies
• legalizes
• initials
• passes
• rubber-stamps
• enables
• canonizes
• allows
• reapproves

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• denies
• rejects
• declines
• vetoes
• prohibits
• disapproves
• bans
• forbids
• turns down
• disallows
• proscribes
• negatives
• enjoins
• ignores
• interdicts
• refuses
• disregards
• neglects
• overlooks
• illegalizes
• rebuffs
• spurns
• rebuts

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of sanctions

Noun

The proposal emerged following Switzerland's decision to join EU sanctions against Russia. — Arkansas Online, 28 Sep. 2026

The end of his tenure there was overshadowed by a salary-cap circumvention scandal that led to massive sanctions against his now-former team. — ABC News, 28 Sep. 2026

But as the two systems pull apart, China is growing more confident in its model of development and diplomacy, while Washington’s preferred tools of sanctions and pressure are losing their force. — Nicholas Gordon, Fortune, 28 Sep. 2026

The statement pushed back on the suggestion that those involved in the incident faced few consequences at the time, revealing that the university’s Title IX proceedings resulted in a range of sanctions, including expulsions and suspensions. — Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 28 Sep. 2026

According to her attorney, after an investigation at the university, two of the accused were expelled with the remaining students received lesser sanctions, such as temporary suspensions, workshops or essay-writing assignments. — Alex Ritman, Variety, 28 Sep. 2026

The climb in oil prices also moderated on reports that Trump is open to easing sanctions against Iran if progress is made on Tehran’s nuclear program. — Jeff Marks, CNBC, 28 Sep. 2026

At its conclusion, the hearing panel issued a range of sanctions, which included expulsions and suspensions from Cornell. — Mahsa Saeidi, CBS News, 28 Sep. 2026

School officials on Monday declined to release more information on the sanctions, including how many students were expelled and suspended. — Dave Collins, Los Angeles Times, 28 Sep. 2026

Verb

The bill sanctions Russian financial institutions and its largest state energy projects while targeting Russian partners in the oil and natural gas trade. — Chris Boccia, ABC News, 14 July 2026

For starters the World Cup is run by the same organization, FIFA, which sanctions virtually every level of soccer globally, from the men’s and women’s World Cups, to confederation competitions including the UEFA Championships and the Copa América, to most major age-group tournaments. — Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 4 Feb. 2026

An autocratic government that sanctions violence. — Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 4 Feb. 2026

But some agricultural organizations that represent them have stressed their businesses will be hurt too if the US sanctions South Africa. — Kate Bartlett, NPR, 10 Nov. 2025

God never sanctions cruelty; love that harms is not love at all. — Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 19 Oct. 2025