approve

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb approve differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of approve are accredit, certify, endorse, and sanction. While all these words mean "to have or express a favorable opinion of," approve often implies no more than this but may suggest considerable esteem or admiration.

the parents approve of the marriage

How are the words accredit and certify related as synonyms of approve?

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

When might endorse be a better fit than approve?

Although the words endorse and approve have much in common, endorse suggests an explicit statement of support.

publicly endorsed her for Senator

When can sanction be used instead of approve?

In some situations, the words sanction and approve are roughly equivalent. However, sanction implies both approval and authorization.

the President sanctioned covert operations

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 approve Burnet, Kerr, San Saba, Tom Green, Travis, and Williamson counties have been approved for FEMA's Individual Assistance program. Amanda Castro hannah Parry peter Aitken, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 2025 After the fires, the state’s largest insurer, State Farm, managed to get California’s insurance regulator to approve a 17% premium hike, but only after threatening to leave the state. Scott Cohn, CNBC, 11 July 2025 Separately, Apple has approved the first iOS game allowing players can spend small amounts of bitcoin for in-game extras. Medora Lee, USA Today, 11 July 2025 The Overland Park City Council recently approved a purchase and sale agreement for a seven-story, 154,000-square foot building on College Boulevard and Metcalf Avenue to create a new City Hall building. Taylor O’Connor 11, Kansas City Star, 11 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for approve
Recent Examples of Synonyms for approve
Verb
  • The accord of the partnership, known as the Nile Basin Initiative, came into force in October without being ratified by Egypt or Sudan.
    Samuel Getachew, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2025
  • After months of contract negotiations and union workers striking down a tentative agreement, workers at GE Appliances have ratified a new labor contract.
    Olivia Evans, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025
Verb
  • Refrain from clicking on any links in emails or websites without confirming the authenticity of the sender.
    Chuck Brooks, Forbes.com, 6 July 2025
  • As officials continue to confirm deaths and search for those missing after the Texas Hill Country floods on Friday, locals have started to share stories of incredible acts of bravery and heroism amid a weekend of anguish.
    Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 6 July 2025
Verb
  • Then, in May 2024, the NFL finalized its commitment by approving player participation during its annual spring meeting, which was a somewhat surprising move.
    Mark LaSota, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
  • The company recently finalized its design of the nine-passenger amphibious aircraft and started building a prototype.
    Daniel Cote, Robb Report, 9 July 2025
Verb
  • This is because the clerics who have issued or endorsed the threats belong to an ultra-hard-line camp inherently against any diplomatic engagements with the U.S. or the West.
    Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 July 2025
  • Churches are now able to endorse political candidates after a court filing against a decades-long rule.
    Joyce Orlando, The Tennessean, 10 July 2025
Verb
  • The 45-year-old accepted a wild card to the Mubadala Citi Open in Washington, D.C. Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh hit a pair of home runs last night to bring his season total to 38, one shy of Barry Bonds’ 2001 record for homers before the All-Star break.
    Alex Kirshner, New York Times, 12 July 2025
  • The bank could accept up to $5 billion during a fiscal year for the loans, loan guarantees, and bonds for eligible projects.
    Molly Gibbs, Sacbee.com, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • On Sunday, President Donald Trump signed a Major Disaster Declaration authorizing federal disaster aid and activating the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
    Nikki McCann Ramirez, Rolling Stone, 7 July 2025
  • Lopez told Murray on Wednesday that he's no longer authorized to sell Infowars' assets and vacated the September order that detailed the terms of the auction.
    Karoline Leonard, Austin American Statesman, 5 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Approve.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/approve. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

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