APPROVING Synonyms: 116 Similar and Opposite Words

approving 1 of 2

adjective

ə-ˈprü-viŋ

Definition of approving

as in favorable

expressing approval the play did not receive a single approving notice

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

approving

2 of 2

verb

present participle of approve

as in ratifying

to give official acceptance of as satisfactory as soon as the pond project was approved, the bulldozers were at the site

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 approving

Adjective

Leaders spend less time approving and more time setting direction and context. — Anna Drobakha, Forbes.com, 19 May 2026 My hostess stands in the middle of her guests and offers me the slightest of nods, the quick upward pull of an approving smile. — Danielle Parker, CBS News, 8 Mar. 2026

Verb

The moratorium, if enacted, would prohibit the county from accepting, processing or approving any large-scale data center application. — Abigail Hasebroock, Sun Sentinel, 27 Aug. 2026 The board minutes show no evidence that the board sought advice from arts administrators, acoustic experts or performers in making or approving renovation plans. — Anastasia Tsioulcas, NPR, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for approving

Recent Examples of Synonyms for approving

Adjective

Sulfolane has received less favorable assessments under more recent solvent-selection guidance, including concerns around reproductive toxicity.

— Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 26 Aug. 2026
That, coupled with a favorable schedule featuring home games against TCU, BYU, Baylor, Arizona State and Iowa State, should help the Knights become bowl-eligible for the first time since the 2023 season.

— Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of favorable

Verb

Hence, the National Players Basketball Association plans to talk with the NBA about ratifying the CBA to alter spending restrictions.

— Mark Medina, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
The European Union and the United States took one ultra-laborious step forward in ratifying their bilateral trade deal in late June.

— Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 23 July 2026

Definition of ratifying

Adjective

On Thursday local time, Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee stated in an interview with CNBC that while the latest PCE inflation report delivered positive signals, overall price pressures remain elevated.

— , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
Sanders tested positive for alcohol consumption on a portable device and performed poorly on the field sobriety test, the complaint says.

— Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of positive

Verb

Golden 1 Center later announced that the concert had been postponed, confirming that a member of the touring crew died.

— Brandon Downs, CBS News, 27 Aug. 2026
Measles cases have surged in Maryland, with state leaders confirming 14 new cases this week and outbreaks in three counties.

— Mike Stunson, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of confirming

Verb

Sources have told The Star that Sporting KC is finalizing a deal to acquire a U-22 initiative player.

— Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 26 Aug. 2026
Iran and Oman are working on finalizing details of an agreement to control the Strait of Hormuz, according to a senior Iranian source, Reuters reported.

— Justina Lee,Alex Harring, CNBC, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of finalizing

Verb

In that case, voters had already approved an amendment in April authorizing mid-decade redistricting when the court ruled that lawmakers last year had waited too long to take an initial step necessary to qualify it for the ballot.

— David A. Lieb, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Congress eventually approved a bill authorizing water projects nationwide.

— ABC News, ABC News, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of authorizing

Verb

Tubman asked Douglass to write a letter endorsing her character and accomplishments for inclusion in the book.

— Katie Angell Britannica Editors Aug. 24, Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 Aug. 2026
Abdul El-Sayed endorsing you as the next majorityLeader if Democrats retake control of the Senate.

— NBC news, NBC news, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of endorsing

Browse Nearby Words

approves (of)

approving

approvingly

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Style

“Approving.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/approving. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of approving

adjective

verb

Example Sentences

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