sanction 1 of 2

sanction

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb sanction differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of sanction are accredit, approve, certify, and endorse. While all these words mean "to have or express a favorable opinion of," sanction implies both approval and authorization.

the President sanctioned covert operations

How do accredit and certify relate to one another, in the sense of sanction?

Both accredit and certify usually imply official endorsement attesting to conformity to set standards.

the board voted to accredit the college
must be certified to teach

In what contexts can approve take the place of sanction?

While the synonyms approve and sanction are close in meaning, approve often implies no more than this but may suggest considerable esteem or admiration.

the parents approve of the marriage

When would endorse be a good substitute for sanction?

The synonyms endorse and sanction are sometimes interchangeable, but endorse suggests an explicit statement of support.

publicly endorsed her for Senator

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 sanction
Noun
As for any possible fines or sanctions on the company responsible, the EPA spokesperson said the agency cannot comment on potential or ongoing enforcement actions. Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 July 2025 These are tools with horizontal utility – used across functions and teams, often with little or no official sanction. Peter Bendor-Samuel, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
Verb
Texas recently became the second state to pass a law banning algorithmic discrimination — that is, sanctioning operators of AI systems if those systems unfairly, for example, deny you a bank loan, a second job interview, or an insurance policy. Adam Goldstein, National Review, 21 July 2025 Moreover, despite being heavily sanctioned, Cuba continues to have prominence—even preeminence—on the world stage thanks to its renowned cigars. Kevin Rozario, Forbes.com, 18 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for sanction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sanction
Noun
  • However, students are not allowed to use the devices during class, unless a teacher gives them permission for educational, health or emergency purposes.
    Rachel Wegner, The Tennessean, 24 July 2025
  • Reprinted by permission of Vintage Books, an imprint of the Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House LLC.
    Simon Boas July 23, Literary Hub, 23 July 2025
Verb
  • The commissioners almost always vote unanimously on agenda items at public meetings, from utility rates to approving new transmission lines.
    Arpan Lobo, Freep.com, 24 July 2025
  • The court approved the request in January, with Rose’s other children—Pete Rose II and Cara—formally consenting.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 23 July 2025
Noun
  • Any restaurant names or trademarks in the names of our recipes are included solely for reference and do not indicate any authorization or approval by their owners.
    Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 July 2025
  • The order by President Donald Trump to deny citizenship to babies born to immigrants without legal authorization to be in the U.S. is now before the courts.
    John C. Moritz, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
Verb
  • If birthright citizenship were to be the exception, three-quarters of the states would still need to ratify the amendment.
    John C. Moritz, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
  • The contract was unanimously ratified by the 46-member bargaining unit.
    Todd Spangler, Variety, 30 July 2025
Noun
  • Spain’s victory was overshadowed by then-President of the Spanish Football Federation Luis Rubiales, who grabbed and kissed player Jenni Hermoso without her consent.
    Callum Sutherland, Time, 28 July 2025
  • Approval of the traffic circle construction contract was on the City Council’s June 24 agenda’s consent calendar, which is a list of items usually approved as a routine matter without discussion.
    Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sanction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sanction. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.

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