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Showing results for approve. Search instead for approve/5.
Definitions

approve

[uh-proov] / əˈpruv /
VERB
agree something is good
Synonyms
STRONGEST
accept favor
STRONG
acclaim admire applaud appreciate approbate commend countenance esteem handle like praise respect
WEAK
be big on face it go along with grin and bear it live with put up with regard highly roll with punches string along with take up on think highly of
Antonyms
STRONG
censure condemn criticize denounce deny despise disapprove dislike disregard disrespect hate neglect refuse scorn
WEAK
disagree disallow invalidate oppose reject
VERB
allow, authorize
Synonyms
STRONGEST
accept advocate agree authorize back certify confirm endorse establish license okay permit push for ratify recommend sanction sign support uphold
STRONG
accede accredit acquiesce affirm assent bless boost buy charter concur consent dig empower encourage groove maintain mandate pronounce seal second validate
WEAK
buy into get behind give go-ahead go along with hats off to lap up make law make valid sign off on stump for subscribe to thumbs-up
Antonyms
STRONGEST
contradict decline deny destroy disagree disallow disapprove discourage disprove dispute dissuade invalidate oppose protest refuse reject renounce repudiate veto
STRONG
condemn differ dissent object

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Back in 2022, when New York State was preparing to approve the practice, the state's Catholic Conference urged voters to contact its governor to voice opposition.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

It said US President Donald Trump has yet to approve any deployment.

From Barron's • Mar. 29, 2026

The transaction was approved by Olaplex’s board of directors, and controlling shareholder Advent agreed to approve the transaction, Henkel said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

There is no formal owners’ proposal on the table, so there is nothing for Walter to approve or reject.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

Literally, he lived only to aspire—after what was good and great, certainly; but still he would never rest, nor approve of others resting round him.

From "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Brontë

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.