as in favorable
expressing approval
the play did not receive a single approving notice
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in ratifying
to give official acceptance of as satisfactory
as soon as the pond project was approved, the bulldozers were at the site
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of approving
Danielle Parker, CBS News, 8 Mar. 2026
The new mayor even received approving nods from some of his critics.
—Chantelle Lee, Time, 26 Jan. 2026
Noah Daly, Idaho Statesman, 11 June 2026
The House followed on Tuesday, approving the package 214-212, also with no Democratic support.
—Justin Papp, CNBC, 10 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for approving
Adjective
My hostess stands in the middle of her guests and offers me the slightest of nods, the quick upward pull of an approving smile.
—Danielle Parker, CBS News, 8 Mar. 2026
The new mayor even received approving nods from some of his critics.
—Chantelle Lee, Time, 26 Jan. 2026
Verb
Council members Tuesday decided to delay approving a contract with Alliance Consulting, a Utah land planning and engineering firm that was set to provide design services for the project.
—Noah Daly, Idaho Statesman, 11 June 2026
The House followed on Tuesday, approving the package 214-212, also with no Democratic support.
—Justin Papp, CNBC, 10 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for approving
Recent Examples of Synonyms for approving
Adjective
-
In the Eastern Pacific, the opposite occurs, with favorable conditions supporting above-average hurricane season activity.—
Daniel Peck,
ABC News,
11 June 2026
-
Forecast confidence is increasing that some storms could become strong to severe on Sunday, especially along and north of I-20, where wind shear will be slightly more favorable for storm organization.—
Nelly Carreño,
CBS News,
11 June 2026
Verb
-
Both resolutions, ratifying the clerk-treasurer’s office policies and procedures and the public comment policy, will be brought back up at the council’s July meeting.—
Doug Ross,
Chicago Tribune,
3 June 2026
-
The museum’s security staff organized separately, in 2022, ratifying their inaugural contract in 2024 following a twelve-day strike.—
News Desk,
Artforum,
18 May 2026
Adjective
-
Name three positive and three negative qualities someone else would ascribe to you.—
Dr. Marcus Collins,
Forbes.com,
12 June 2026
-
This operation was a great example of how strong partnerships, coordinated resources, traditional search and rescue techniques, and emerging technologies can all work together to achieve a positive outcome.—
Christa Swanson,
CBS News,
12 June 2026
Verb
-
After reports began circulating on a popular DCC fan account that the cheerleader had been cut from the NFL cheerleading squad, the cheerleader took to her account seemingly confirming the news, reposting a video bearing the hashtag #JusticeForKarley on her Instagram Stories.—
Tabitha Parent,
PEOPLE,
10 June 2026
-
Since then, there have been sightings at various locations across the city, the wildlife group said – with police officers reportedly confirming a bear’s presence again on Monday night.—
Jessie Yeung,
CNN Money,
9 June 2026
Adjective
-
Speaking of which, the USWNT sent their best before kickoff.—
Matt Reigle OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
13 June 2026
-
So, nights such as Friday at the Coliseum are the next-best thing.—
Joaquin Ruiz,
Los Angeles Times,
13 June 2026
Verb
-
Epenesa agreed to a deal with the Cleveland Browns in March worth up to $5 million, but the team opted out of finalizing the contract after the 27-year-old's physical, according to ESPN.—
Tom Ignudo,
CBS News,
11 June 2026
-
In messages reviewed by The Times, Garcia told Hollywood Thai that his video editor was delayed in finalizing the reel.—
Stephanie Breijo,
Los Angeles Times,
10 June 2026
Verb
-
For example, last year’s document authorizing Juul’s menthol e-cigarettes was more than 90 pages and included detailed scientific data from research involving 50,000 people.—
Matthew Perrone,
Fortune,
12 June 2026
-
The Lee’s Summit City Council passed an ordinance this week authorizing LSPD to lend an unspecified number of officers to KCPD on a case-by-case basis through the end of July.—
Ilana Arougheti
June 12,
Kansas City Star,
12 June 2026
Verb
-
They were viewed as Xavi endorsing Laporta’s main rival at the ballot box - Victor Font - during the build-up to a March election Laporta won.—
Tom Sanderson,
Forbes.com,
11 June 2026
-
Raman, whose district stretches from Silver Lake to Reseda, was until recently a Bass ally, endorsing her reelection bid.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
10 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Approving.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/approving. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
