Synonyms of approve

approve

verb

ə-ˈprüv 

as in to ratify

to give official acceptance of as satisfactory

as soon as the pond project was approved, the bulldozers were at the site

Synonyms & Similar Words

• ratify
• confirm
• finalize
• endorse
• accept
• authorize
• sanction
• acknowledge
• sign
• okay
• formalize
• warrant
• OK
• accredit
• affirm
• approbate
• homologate
• certify
• clear
• bless
• initial
• validate
• permit
• indorse
• pass
• enable
• allow
• legalize
• license
• sanctify
• rubber-stamp
• canonize
• sign off (on)
• licence
• reapprove

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• deny
• reject
• disapprove
• negative
• veto
• disallow
• prohibit
• decline
• forbid
• turn down
• enjoin
• ban
• ignore
• proscribe
• refuse
• disregard
• neglect
• overlook
• interdict
• illegalize
• spurn
• rebut
• rebuff

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb approve differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of approve are accredit, certify, endorse, and sanction. While all these words mean "to have or express a favorable opinion of," approve often implies no more than this but may suggest considerable esteem or admiration.

the parents approve of the marriage

How are the words accredit and certify related as synonyms of approve?

Both accredit and certify usually imply official endorsement attesting to conformity to set standards.

the board voted to accredit the college

must be certified to teach

When might endorse be a better fit than approve?

Although the words endorse and approve have much in common, endorse suggests an explicit statement of support.

publicly endorsed her for Senator

When can sanction be used instead of approve?

In some situations, the words sanction and approve are roughly equivalent. However, sanction implies both approval and authorization.

the President sanctioned covert operations

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of approve

Getting approved for disability takes time and isn’t easy, but many people succeed after filing an appeal. —David Ozeri, Health, 16 Aug. 2025

In Texas, 53% of voters approve of Trump's performance while 44% disapprove. —Katie Wiseman, IndyStar, 15 Aug. 2025

That is because the proposal would require an amendment to the state constitution, a change that would have to pass the Legislature twice and be approved by voters. —Jesse Bedayn, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2025

The Tuesday launch date to begin gathering voter signatures is a month earlier this year due to legislation approved last year that also advanced the date for candidates to file their petitions to Oct. 27, rather than the end of November. —Chicago Tribune, 4 Aug. 2025

Phrases Containing approve

• approve (of)