approval
12 synonyms and 3 antonyms for approval, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — Official permission or agreement that something is acceptable.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use approval
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From approve plus the noun-forming suffix -al.
Full origin of approval →Frequently asked questions
What does “approval” mean?
The word “approval” means official permission or agreement that something is acceptable. In plain terms, agreement or permission that something is good, correct, or allowed.
How do you pronounce “approval”?
“Approval” is pronounced uh-PROO-vuhl (/əˈpɹuvəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “approval” in a sentence?
Here is “approval” used in a sentence: “The project needs approval from the city council.”
What is another word for “approval”?
Words with a similar meaning to “approval” include sanction, accedence, allowance, assent, assentment and authorization.
What is the opposite of “approval”?
The opposite of “approval” — its antonyms — are disapprobation, nonassent and disapproval.
What part of speech is “approval”?
“Approval” is a noun.
Is “approval” a common word?
“Approval” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between approval and permission?
Permission is being allowed to do something — the granting of the right to act. Approval is a formal agreement that something is acceptable or good. They often overlap, but approval can also express positive judgment without granting rights, as when you approve of a plan you admire but do not control.
What are the types of approval?
Approval can be formal or informal. Official approval includes things like planning permission, regulatory sign-off, or a manager authorising a request. Social approval is subtler — the acceptance, praise, or agreement of other people. In business and law, approval is usually a documented, deliberate act rather than a passing opinion.
What is the opposite of approval?
The main opposites are disapproval and rejection. Disapproval means judging something to be unacceptable or wrong, while rejection means formally refusing it. Related terms include denial, when permission is withheld, and veto, the power to block a decision outright. Which fits depends on whether the setting is personal or official.