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
At the time of the 2015 deal, which saw Iran drastically limit its enrichment and stockpiling of uranium in exchange for lifting of international sanctions, the rial traded at 32,000 to the dollar. Jon Gambrell, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025 Abroad, the killings have tanked the new authorities’ hopes of legitimizing their rule before the international community and of ending sanctions on a country ravaged by nearly 14 years of civil war. Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 5 Apr. 2025
Verb
Of these, only 338 vessels had been sanctioned by at least one of the key sanctioning jurisdictions such as the EU, the U.K., Canada and the U.S. Only 25 vessels were sanctioned by all four jurisdictions. Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Mar. 2025 The Associated Press reports there are 14 states that have sanctioned girls flag football as a high school varsity sport. Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 28 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sanction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sanction
Noun
  • Entering someone’s boat without permission qualifies as burglary under Florida law when accompanied by threats or aggression.
    Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 5 Apr. 2025
  • They can be given away by their owner or by bishops, while significant relics, such as hearts and organs, cannot be given away without permission from the Vatican.
    Barbie Latza Nadeau, CNN Money, 5 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • More than half a century ago, New Yorkers approved a lottery to support public education.
    Mitchell Moss, New York Daily News, 6 Apr. 2025
  • With the framework approved, the Trump administration is expected to push for a major new tax and spending bill to implement its policy commitments.
    John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • With recipient authorizations, FedEx couriers can deliver the parcel to customers’ doorsteps and take a real-time photo showing its exact position, according to the company.
    Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 1 Apr. 2025
  • In response to the heists, the MTA announced plans to install alarms and brighter lights on train controls to alert when a train is moved without authorization.
    Elizabeth Keogh, New York Daily News, 31 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The law will go to parliament to be ratified in 60 days, and some changes could be introduced, but for the moment new applications for citizenship must meet new requirements.
    Barbie Latza Nadeau, CNN Money, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Fain claims that 90,000 manufacturing facilities have closed in the United States since NAFTA was ratified, devastating the heartland.
    Haisten Willis, The Washington Examiner, 31 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • With the new features announced Tuesday, teens under 16 will be prevented from using the Instagram Live feature without parental consent.
    Sarah Fortinsky, The Hill, 9 Apr. 2025
  • The Senate version co-sponsored by Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) was approved in the Senate by unanimous consent in February and is nearing passage in the House.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 9 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sanction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sanction. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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