approve
11 synonyms and 3 antonyms for approve, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To officially agree to or accept something as satisfactory.
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 approve
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French aprover, from Latin approbare, from ad- + probare, "to test, prove good" — the same root as probe and probable.
Full origin of approve →Frequently asked questions
What does “approve” mean?
The word “approve” means to officially agree to or accept something as satisfactory. In plain terms, to officially say yes to something, or to feel that something is good or acceptable.
How do you pronounce “approve”?
“Approve” is pronounced uh-PROOV (/əˈpɹuːv/ in IPA).
How do you use “approve” in a sentence?
Here is “approve” used in a sentence: “The bank approved her loan application.”
What is another word for “approve”?
Words with a similar meaning to “approve” include agree with, approbate, back, support and think much of.
What is the opposite of “approve”?
The opposite of “approve” — its antonyms — are contradict, disapprove and oppose.
What part of speech is “approve”?
“Approve” is a verb.
Where does the word “approve” come from?
The word “approve” comes from Latin. From Old French aprover, from Latin approbare, from ad- + probare, "to test, prove good" — the same root as probe and probable.
Is “approve” a common word?
“Approve” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between approve and approve of?
Approve with a direct object means to officially agree to or accept something: "the board approved the budget." Approve of means to think well of something personally: "her parents approve of her plans." Adding the preposition shifts the meaning from official authorization to personal opinion.
What is the difference between approve and endorse?
To approve is to officially agree to or accept something as satisfactory, often as the final step in a process, while to endorse is to declare public support for it, often to influence others — committees approve proposals, celebrities endorse products. Endorse also has the separate technical meaning of signing the back of a check.
What is the difference between approve and accept?
Accept means to take or agree to something offered, and anyone can do it. Approve implies authority: an official or body formally agreeing that something is satisfactory and may go ahead. A friend accepts your invitation, while a regulator approves a new drug.