approval

noun

ap·​prov·​al ə-ˈprü-vəl How to pronounce approval (audio)
Synonyms of approval
: an act or instance of approving something : approbation
The change is subject to the committee's approval.
see also:
on approval

Synonyms of approval

Relevance
See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of approval in a Sentence

children who never gained their parents' approval Do I have your approval to make the changes? The rally will be on May 19, provided the city gives its approval. The government has so far withheld approval of the drug. We were required to get approvals at each stage of the project.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Jumbo loans have stricter approval processes, lower debt-to-income (DTI) ratio requirements and higher down payment demands than most conventional loans. — Dan Simms, USA Today, 30 Aug. 2026 But in 2018 Trump signed the Right to Try Act, which allows terminally ill patients to access certain experimental drugs and immunotherapy treatments that have not received full approval from the Food and Drug Administration. — Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026 The companies are expected to reapply for IPO approval when market conditions improve, the people familiar with the matter said. — Matthew Martin, semafor.com, 30 Aug. 2026 Morgan Fairchild got the approval of a Hollywood legend following her breakup with America’s favorite late night host. — Rance Collins, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for approval

Word History

Etymology

see approve

First Known Use

1613, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of approval was in 1613

Phrases Containing approval

Rhymes for approval

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Browse Nearby Words

approvable
approval
approval book
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Cite this Entry

“Approval.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/approval. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

approval

noun
ap·​prov·​al ə-ˈprü-vəl How to pronounce approval (audio)
: an act or instance of approving
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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