approve

verb

ap·​prove ə-ˈprüv 

approved; approving

transitive verb

1

: to have or express a favorable opinion of

couldn't approve such conduct

2

a

: to accept as satisfactory

hopes she will approve the date of the meeting

b

: to give formal or official sanction (see sanction entry 1 sense 4c) to : ratify

Congress approved the proposed budget.

3

obsolete : prove, attest

intransitive verb

: to take a favorable view

doesn't approve of fighting

Synonyms

• accredit
• approbate
• authorize
• clear
• confirm
• finalize
• formalize
• homologate
• OK
• okay
• ratify
• sanction
• warrant

Choose the Right Synonym for approve

approve, endorse, sanction, accredit, certify 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

endorse suggests an explicit statement of support.

publicly endorsed her for Senator

sanction implies both approval and authorization.

the President sanctioned covert operations

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

Examples of approve in a Sentence

I don't care if all the other parents are letting their kids do it; I still don't approve.

The state has approved the building plans, so work on the new school can begin immediately.

Your supervisor must approve the report before it can be sent.

Recent Examples on the Web

The move requires health agencies to have all external communications approved by a presidential appointee before issuing them and is expected to last through the end of January, CNN reported. —Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 24 Jan. 2025

The country’s dedication to improving infrastructure is further exemplified by the renovation of Amahoro Stadium, which now features a 45,000-seat capacity and is approved by FIFA and CAF. —Sindiswa Mabunda, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025

House approves bill for president search The Arkansas House of Representatives on Thursday approved a bill to allow Northwest Technical Institute's board of trustees to appoint a president who has a background in industry rather coming from the world of higher education. —Michael R. Wickline, arkansasonline.com, 24 Jan. 2025

The Aurora City Council voted around that time last year to approve an agreement with the IEPA for the forgivable loan, which was required before the city could start accepting bids from companies for the project. —R. Christian Smith, Chicago Tribune, 24 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French apruer, approver, from Latin approbare, from ad- + probare to prove — more at prove

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 3

Phrases Containing approve

• pre-approve

Kids Definition

approve

verb

ap·​prove ə-ˈprüv 

approved; approving

1

: to think well of

2

: to accept as satisfactory

approvingly

-ˈprü-viŋ-lē 

adverb

Legal Definition

approve

transitive verb

ap·​prove

approved; approving

: to give formal or official sanction to : ratify

Congress approved the proposed budget