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sanction

[sangk-shuhn] / ˈsæŋk ʃən /
NOUN
authorization
Synonyms
STRONGEST
approval
STRONG
acquiescence allowance approbation assent authority backing confirmation consent countenance encouragement endorsement fiat go ahead leave nod okay permission permit ratification recommendation sufferance support word
WEAK
green light seal of approval stamp of approval
Antonyms
STRONG
denial disagreement disapproval discouragement opposition prohibition question refusal rejection veto
WEAK
award honor prevention reward
NOUN
embargo, punishment
Synonyms
STRONGEST
ban boycott injunction penalty sentence
STRONG
command decree writ
WEAK
coercive measure punitive measure
Antonyms
WEAK
award disapproval honor prevention refusal reward veto
VERB
authorize, confirm
Synonyms
STRONGEST
accredit allow approve certify empower endorse permit ratify warrant
STRONG
back bless commission countenance license okay support
WEAK
get behind give the go-ahead give the green light give the nod go for vouch for
Antonyms
STRONGEST
deny disagree disallow disapprove invalidate oppose protest refuse reject revoke
STRONG
discourage veto
WEAK
prevent

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.

Expulsion from the House requires a two-thirds majority, a threshold so high that Congress has wielded the sanction only in the gravest cases, removing just six members in its 237-year history.

From Barron's • Apr. 13, 2026

I added in the guideline that we shouldn’t sanction an editor just because they start overusing some words or speaking in what’s “seen” as an A.I.-like tone.

From Slate • Apr. 1, 2026

Bonar told me that she was not challenging the sanction but declined to comment on it further.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2026

"It is worth remembering that... this sanction is because of activities that happened under the previous Chelsea regime," Richard Monk, the chief executive of the Independent Football Regulator, told the BBC on Tuesday.

From BBC • Mar. 17, 2026

“Well, papa, if this is not encouragement to marry, I do not know what is. And I should never have expected you to be lending your sanction to such vanity-baits for poor young ladies.”

From "Emma" by Jane Austen

Vocabulary lists containing sanction

The Vocabulary.com Top 1000

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Two-Faced Words: Contronyms

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The SAT: Multiple-Meaning Words, List 5

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