Approve — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /ə-ˈprüv/ ap·prove

Meaning & Definition of Approve

Approve (verb)

  1. to have or express a favorable opinion of
  2. to accept as satisfactory
  3. to give formal or official sanction to, ratify

Approve (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to give official acceptance of as satisfactory

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

    similar: accredit, approbate, authorize, clear, confirm, finalize, formalize, homologate, OK, ratify, sanction, warrant
    related: accept, acknowledge, affirm, certify, endorse, validate, bless, canonize, sanctify, initial, rubber-stamp, sign, sign off (on), allow, enable, legalize, license, pass, permit, reapprove
    opposite: decline, deny, disallow, disapprove, negative, reject, turn down, veto
    near: ban, enjoin, forbid, illegalize, interdict, prohibit, proscribe, disregard, ignore, neglect, overlook, rebuff, rebut, refuse, spurn

Related Entry: Approve (of) (verb)

Approve (of) is a different word from Approve. The synonyms below are for approve (of), not for approve.

  1. to have a favorable opinion of

    "we don't approve of people who stand in the 12 items or less lane with 13 items"

    similar: accept, care (for), countenance, favor, OK, subscribe (to), go for, hold with, take kindly to
    related: acclaim, applaud, laud, praise, salute, back (up), concur (in), stand by, support, sustain, uphold, bear, endure, tolerate, assent (to), consent (to), commend, recommend, enjoy, like
    opposite: disapprove (of), discountenance, disfavor, frown (on or upon)
    near: blacklist, censure, condemn, criticize, damn, denounce, deprecate, depreciate, disparage, reprehend, reprobate, dislike, mind, detest, hate, loathe, dissent (from), object (to), oppose

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Approve

The most common words with a similar meaning to Approve:

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

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Approve

Words with the opposite meaning of Approve:

decline, deny, disallow, disapprove, negative, reject, turn down, veto

Related Words for Approve

accept, acknowledge, affirm, certify, endorse, validate, bless, canonize, sanctify, initial, rubber-stamp, sign, sign off (on), allow, enable, legalize, license, pass, permit, reapprove

Near Antonyms of Approve

ban, enjoin, forbid, illegalize, interdict, prohibit, proscribe, disregard, ignore, neglect, overlook, rebuff, rebut, refuse, spurn

Word Forms of Approve

Inflections: approved, approving

Origin & Etymology of Approve

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

First known use: 14th centuryt

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Approve

Words & Phrases Containing Approve

preapprove

Frequently Asked Questions about Approve

What does "Approve" mean?

"Approve" means to have or express a favorable opinion of. As a verb, it is defined as: to have or express a favorable opinion of.

What is another word for "Approve"?

Other words for "Approve" include accredit, approbate, authorize, clear, confirm, finalize, formalize and homologate. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Approve" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Approve"?

There are 32 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Approve". Common alternatives include accredit, approbate, authorize, clear, confirm, finalize, formalize, homologate, OK and ratify.

What is the opposite of "Approve"?

Antonyms of "Approve" include decline, deny, disallow, disapprove, negative, reject, turn down and veto. Near antonyms include ban, enjoin, forbid and illegalize.

How do you use "Approve" in a sentence?

Examples of "Approve" in a sentence: "as soon as the pond project was approved, the bulldozers were at the site".

Is "Approve" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Approve" is a verb.

Is "Approve" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Approve" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Approve"?

"Approve" is pronounced /ə-ˈprüv/ and divided into syllables as ap·prove.