approval

noun

ap·​prov·​al ə-ˈprü-vəl 

: an act or instance of approving something : approbation

The change is subject to the committee's approval.

see also:

on approval

Synonyms of approval

• favor
• blessing
• approbation
• assent
• vote
• nod
• support
• endorsement

Examples of approval in a Sentence

children who never gained their parents' approval

Do I have your approval to make the changes?

The rally will be on May 19, provided the city gives its approval.

The government has so far withheld approval of the drug.

We were required to get approvals at each stage of the project.

Recent Examples on the Web

After the entry of a preliminary approval order, notice and settlement forms will be mailed to class members within 10 days. —Chase Jordan, Charlotte Observer, 30 Mar. 2026

After Recovery Solutions and Brayonon went to work behind the scenes at the county commission, the final approval Leifman needed to open the center started getting bogged down in one commission committee after another. —Jim Defede, CBS News, 29 Mar. 2026

Pembroke Pines voters would need to accept that approval of the rescheduling of municipal elections would extend the current terms of all five commission members by eight months. —Mike Hernández, Sun Sentinel, 29 Mar. 2026

Trump approval hit new lows as Latino voters and young men peel away. —Los Angeles Times, 29 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

see approve

First Known Use

1613, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing approval

• approval rating
• find approval/favor
• meet with one's approval
• on approval
• pre-approval
• seal of approval
• stamp of approval

Rhymes for approval

• removal
• disapproval
• reapproval

Kids Definition

approval

noun

ap·​prov·​al ə-ˈprü-vəl 

: an act or instance of approving