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
The European Union is making progress toward approving a new package of sanctions on companies in India and China involved in buying Russian oil. Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 16 Sep. 2025 Trump last week raised the prospect of potential additional sanctions against Moscow. Kevin Shalvey, ABC News, 15 Sep. 2025
Verb
The measure is designed to curb aggressive or disruptive behavior in the stands and applies to all events sanctioned by the University Interscholastic League (UIL). Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Sep. 2025 Leclerc wasn’t sanctioned because the available evidence on his leaving the track, rather than the contentious positioning, was inconclusive. Alex Kalinauckas, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sanction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sanction
Noun
  • Why does the opening of a cardboard box give me tacit permission to act like a sociopath?
    Julie Beck, The Atlantic, 17 Sep. 2025
  • The company is adding agentic capabilities to Seller Assistant, its AI tool for third-party sellers, meaning the software can take action on a merchant's behalf with their permission, Amazon said.
    Annie Palmer, CNBC, 17 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The United States has approved the potential sale of F-16 fighter jets to Peru to support the South American country's counternarcotics and counterterrorism operations.
    Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 2025
  • Despite being used frequently in cosmetics, Crodafos CES had to first be tested and approved by the FDA to make it onto the Inactive Ingredient Database.
    Megan McIntyre, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The judge denied some of Corpus’ broader requests, including documents related to budget authorization for the contract, ruling that category was not included in the original California Public Records Act request.
    Ryan Macasero, Mercury News, 19 Sep. 2025
  • The documents include an invoice that demonstrates the product was sourced directly from a brand owner or manufacturer, or a letter of authorization from the brand owner that stated the seller was allowed to offer the product.
    Gabrielle Fonrouge,Paige Tortorelli, CNBC, 19 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • If ratified, the deal also implements minimum headcounts at the workplaces and promises new work.
    Liam Rappleye, Freep.com, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Paul Barber, chief executive and deputy chairman, has conducted an overview of key areas for the past 18 months, which was ratified by the board at the summer annual general meeting.
    Andy Naylor, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Other information about the winner is released only with the winner's consent.
    Steven Martinez, jsonline.com, 20 Sep. 2025
  • The Senate passed a similar, but shorter, resolution condemning Kirk’s assassination and honoring his life and legacy by unanimous consent earlier this week.
    Emily Brooks, The Hill, 19 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sanction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sanction. Accessed 23 Sep. 2025.

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