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
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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.
Community colleges that want to offer non-credit classes are able to move especially fast, because the approval process is less cumbersome. — ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026 Government support can improve access to financing and, of course, accelerate approvals, which will give customers greater confidence that nuclear power will remain part of long-term energy policy. — Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026 Instead, city staff could first more narrowly issue an order to repair a dilapidated historic building and then expedite approval for those repairs on the back end, without needing a hearing through the Historic Preservation Commission. — Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 1 Aug. 2026 In a surprise move, the Sacramento County Office of Education rescinded the Sacramento City Unified School District board’s approval of its new labor agreement with the teachers’ association. — Chaewon Chung updated July 31, Sacbee.com, 1 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 4 Aug. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on approval

Nglish: Translation of approval for Spanish Speakers

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