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Showing results for approve.
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.

The Journal noted that postal regulators still needed to approve the deal.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 6, 2026

The pair pitched Malpica on a plan for him to approve payments to businesses owed money by PdVSA in exchange for commissions.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 29, 2026

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

From Barron's • Mar. 29, 2026

A ban on campervans and motorhomes parking overnight at tourist hotspots on the North Yorkshire coast is set to be made permanent, with councillors meeting later to approve the order.

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026

My father had been different—but Nathan, I felt, would not approve.

From "Nectar in a Sieve" by Kamala Markandaya

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