endorse

variants also indorse
Definition of endorsenext

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb endorse differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of endorse are accredit, approve, certify, and sanction. While all these words mean "to have or express a favorable opinion of," endorse suggests an explicit statement of support.

publicly endorsed her for Senator

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

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 would approve be a good substitute for endorse?

The synonyms approve and endorse are sometimes interchangeable, but approve often implies no more than this but may suggest considerable esteem or admiration.

the parents approve of the marriage

In what contexts can sanction take the place of endorse?

The words sanction and endorse are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sanction implies both approval and authorization.

the President sanctioned covert operations

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 endorse Spencer is endorsed by the Idaho Majority Club. Rose Evans may 6, Idaho Statesman, 6 May 2026 Trump responded by endorsing challengers to state GOP lawmakers who voted against redistricting — and those candidates won on May 5. Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 6 May 2026 Williams does not plan to endorse any of the 23 Democrats remaining in the race to succeed Hoyer, who is stepping down after 45 years. William J. Ford, Baltimore Sun, 6 May 2026 Trump endorsed a series of primary challengers against GOP lawmakers who resisted his efforts to redistrict Indiana ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Tiago Ventura, Time, 6 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for endorse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for endorse
Verb
  • Conservatives advocating for a colorblind interpretation are cheering the decision, but liberal critics maintain this decision will dilute Black and Hispanic representation in Congress.
    Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 1 May 2026
  • Thomas thanked Gary Mayor Eddie Melton for his dedication to increasing homeownership in the city and for advocating for Black residents and families.
    Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2026
Verb
  • Several players supported the club’s decision.
    Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 May 2026
  • According to the complaint, detectives attributed statements to Hardin suggesting the killing was part of a ritual, despite no independent evidence to support that claim.
    Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 7 May 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Endorse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/endorse. Accessed 8 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on endorse

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster