Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
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.

She also questioned the prime minister's assertion that "no pressure existed whatsoever" on the Civil Service to approve Lord Mandelson as the UK's ambassador.

From BBC • Apr. 27, 2026

He said the agency plans to hire 5,500 seasonal workers and asked Congress to approve funding for those employees to work for nine-month stints rather than six months.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 26, 2026

After I spent a few minutes on hold, the supervisor came back and said, “I was able to approve the write-off.”

From Slate • Apr. 25, 2026

According to Gallup, as of September 2025, 42% of respondents approve, 52% disapprove and 6% have no opinion of the Supreme Court.

From Salon • Apr. 25, 2026

It was so unlike me—lying to my parents, sneaking around doing something they wouldn’t approve of.

From "From the Desk of Zoe Washington" by Janae Marks

Vocabulary lists containing approve

List 7

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

This Week in Words: Current Events Vocab for August 21–August 27, 2021

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

This Week in Words: Current Events Vocab for October 1–October 7, 2022

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!