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Definitions

approve

[uh-proov] / əˈpruv /
VERB
agree something is good
Synonyms
STRONGEST
accept favor
STRONG
acclaim admire applaud appreciate approbate commend countenance esteem handle like praise respect
WEAK
be big on face it go along with grin and bear it live with put up with regard highly roll with punches string along with take up on think highly of
Antonyms
STRONG
censure condemn criticize denounce deny despise disapprove dislike disregard disrespect hate neglect refuse scorn
WEAK
disagree disallow invalidate oppose reject
VERB
allow, authorize
Synonyms
STRONGEST
accept advocate agree authorize back certify confirm endorse establish license okay permit push for ratify recommend sanction sign support uphold
STRONG
accede accredit acquiesce affirm assent bless boost buy charter concur consent dig empower encourage groove maintain mandate pronounce seal second validate
WEAK
buy into get behind give go-ahead go along with hats off to lap up make law make valid sign off on stump for subscribe to thumbs-up
Antonyms
STRONGEST
contradict decline deny destroy disagree disallow disapprove discourage disprove dispute dissuade invalidate oppose protest refuse reject renounce repudiate veto
STRONG
condemn differ dissent object

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It said US President Donald Trump has yet to approve any deployment.

From Barron's • Mar. 29, 2026

A Reuters/Ipsos poll released March 24 found 36% of voters approve of the president’s job performance, the lowest it has been during his second term.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 29, 2026

The state’s dealer lobby not only dropped its opposition to a sales loophole for Rivian and rival EV-maker Lucid, but also encouraged lawmakers to approve one.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 28, 2026

A ban on campervans and motorhomes parking overnight at tourist hotspots on the North Yorkshire coast is set to be made permanent, with councillors meeting later to approve the order.

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026

Even though he'd been dating her for two years, his parents didn't approve of her.

From Nazi Saboteurs by Samantha Seiple

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.