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
• formalize
• warrant
• OK
• accredit
• approbate
• affirm
• homologate
• clear
• certify
• bless
• initial
• validate
• permit
• enable
• pass
• allow
• legalize
• license
• sanctify
• rubber-stamp
• canonize
• sign off (on)
• 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

Williams was approved for the job April 13, just a day before the team’s spring game. —Todd Holcomb, AJC.com, 27 May 2026

It was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in 2024. —Jacqueline Howard, CNN Money, 27 May 2026

The new wheel was part of a $640 million project approved in 2013 aimed at drawing more tourists and trade shows to Chicago. —Adam Harrington, CBS News, 27 May 2026

Yolo County officials may ask voters to approve a higher tax on short-term rentals and hotel stays in unincorporated areas as the county faces a major budget deficit. —Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 27 May 2026

Phrases Containing approve

• approve (of)