APPROVING Synonyms: 116 Similar and Opposite Words

approving 1 of 2

adjective

ə-ˈprü-viŋ

Definition of approving

as in favorable

expressing approval the play did not receive a single approving notice

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

approving

2 of 2

verb

present participle of approve

as in ratifying

to give official acceptance of as satisfactory as soon as the pond project was approved, the bulldozers were at the site

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 approving

Adjective

Leaders spend less time approving and more time setting direction and context. — Anna Drobakha, Forbes.com, 19 May 2026 My hostess stands in the middle of her guests and offers me the slightest of nods, the quick upward pull of an approving smile. — Danielle Parker, CBS News, 8 Mar. 2026

Verb

Building and approving an agent should be tightly restricted. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2026 Set to vote on a multi-year budget stabilization and fiscal sustainability framework resolution for future years after approving the budget, board member Rick Riddle was among those who sought certainty. — Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 1 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for approving

Recent Examples of Synonyms for approving

Adjective

And because Alta sits at a higher elevation in the Wasatch, a favorable shift in the storm track could quickly turn the season around.

— Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
Among his party, Fetterman is performing even worse, with 69% of Democrats having an unfavorable opinion of the senator compared to 13% who have a favorable opinion.

— Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of favorable

Verb

Hence, the National Players Basketball Association plans to talk with the NBA about ratifying the CBA to alter spending restrictions.

— Mark Medina, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
The European Union and the United States took one ultra-laborious step forward in ratifying their bilateral trade deal in late June.

— Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 23 July 2026

Definition of ratifying

Adjective

Both are high-stakes and costly gambits, but as Vivienne Walt reports, Forrest is determined to prove that business can be a force for positive change.

— Sam Forsdick, Fortune, 6 Oct. 2026
In a welcome sign of positive change in the barrio, a new branch of Javier Bonet’s super-cool Sala de Despiece restaurant is imminent.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of positive

Verb

The men – identified only as British nationals between the ages of 23 and 25 and from London area – were quickly released on bail with police confirming no explosives were found in three vans at the scene.

— Kara Fox, CNN Money, 30 Sep. 2026
In the meantime, the owner receives a text and email confirming that the package has arrived and evaluation is underway, with updates picking up where shipment tracking leaves off.

— Kaitlyn Gomez, Miami Herald, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of confirming

Adjective

Lucy’s constant sense of invention sometimes falters under the album’s new, megawatt spotlight, lacking the enticing mystery that gives their best music its power.

— H.D. Angel, Pitchfork, 8 Oct. 2026
Among those surveyed, Latinos who didn’t vote in 2024 were more likely than those who had voted to have economic frustrations, like struggling to earn enough money or find a good job.

— Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of good

Verb

Enetec was sanctioned in July under a presidential executive order authorizing sanctions to Cuban entities posing a direct threat to national security or involved in repression.

— Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 2026
In September 2022, the City Council approved a $175,000 settlement with Dougan in that case, according to documents authorizing the payment.

— Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of authorizing

Verb

The group is not specifically endorsing or looking to knock down any specific bills in Congress yet, Handa said.

— Ashley Gold, semafor.com, 7 Oct. 2026
In September, videos on X purported to show Leonardo DiCaprio and a bunch of other actors endorsing a campaign urging Americans not to vote for Democrats in November.

— Maxwell Adler, Vanity Fair, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of endorsing

Browse Nearby Words

approves (of)

approving

approvingly

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Approving.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/approving. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of approving

adjective

verb

Example Sentences

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