APPROVAL Synonyms: 52 Similar and Opposite Words

approval

noun

ə-ˈprü-vəl

Definition of approval

as in favor

an acceptance of something as satisfactory does this poster I made for the recital meet with your approval?

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 approval Despite the data centers having yet to gain approval, hundreds of acres of land were cleared. — Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 4 Oct. 2026 To gain city approval, Alcala underwent several phases of review, starting with the mandatory application process. — Tania Azhang, Sacbee.com, 3 Oct. 2026 Due to federal law, states cannot end daylight saving time without congressional approval. — Rena Rowe, The Washington Examiner, 3 Oct. 2026 Muse also asks for approval before certain sensitive actions. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 3 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for approval

Recent Examples of Synonyms for approval

Noun

The Justice Department also says Beijing is determined to sway American public opinion in its favor by cultivating relationships with political figures seen as having access to the levers of power.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 6 Oct. 2026
Why look at the out-of-favor sectors versus the lonely stocks that are working now?

— Jim Cramer, CNBC, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of favor

Noun

The team was slated for elimination under funding cuts for the upcoming fiscal year, following the approbation of a $9 billion budget, outlining $57 million in cuts to general fund departments, through a 4-1 vote on June 10.

— Reeti Malhotra, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2026
This too is greeted with collective approbation; everyone recognizes that this is the right thing to do.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 June 2026

Definition of approbation

Noun

Throughout our conversation, in fact, the pair chuckles, nods along to each other’s answers, interjects sounds of assent.

— Matt Brennan, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2026
The Provisional Government has not assumed a republican or other constitutional form, but has remained a mere executive council or oligarchy, set up without the assent of the people.

— Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of assent

Noun

When Daines started exploring how to fix the Senate, all roads led to Merkley, who wrote Democrats’ last rules change proposal and spearheaded the push to end the 60-vote threshold for nominees.

— Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 8 Oct. 2026
The commission voted 7-1 to direct County Attorney Tyrone Wade to look into whether any laws or policies were broken during the consent agenda vote and whether any policies should be adjusted to prevent similar situations in the future.

— Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of vote

Noun

Similarly, Amangani’s signature cocktails are a nod to the surroundings.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
Rocha developed Parker’s dress from an existing show piece, reworking its hand-laced, unraveling ribbons in a pale ballet pink intended as a nod to pointe shoes.

— Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of nod

Noun

Families may continue a pregnancy, deliver their baby, hold and comfort their child, create memories and receive bereavement support.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 3 Oct. 2026
Between 2005 and 2024, Chinese firms received, on average, three to eight times more government support than firms in OECD countries.

— Sam Birchall, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of support

Noun

Key Races The Miami Herald Editorial Board — a separate entity from the Herald newsroom — has made endorsements in a series of statewide and South Florida races.

— Miami Herald staff, Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2026
The absence of an endorsement is a setback for the Likud party politician, who has billed his tight ties to Trump as a selling point for keeping him in power.

— SEUNG MIN KIM, Arkansas Online, 2 Oct. 2026