veto
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for veto, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The official power to reject or block a decision, law, or proposal.
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.
How to use veto
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Latin vetare, "to forbid" — Roman officials once used the single word "veto" ("I forbid") to block a proposal outright.
Full origin of veto →Frequently asked questions
What does “veto” mean?
The word “veto” means the official power to reject or block a decision, law, or proposal. In plain terms, the power to officially stop or block a decision, and the act of using that power.
How do you pronounce “veto”?
“Veto” is pronounced VEE-toh (/ˈvi.toʊ/ in IPA).
How do you use “veto” in a sentence?
Here is “veto” used in a sentence: “The president used his veto to block the new bill.”
What part of speech is “veto”?
Depending on how it is used, “veto” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “veto” come from?
The word “veto” comes from Latin. From Latin vetare, "to forbid" — Roman officials once used the single word "veto" ("I forbid") to block a proposal outright.
Is “veto” a common word?
“Veto” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “veto” have?
“Veto” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the official power to reject or block a decision, law, or proposal.
What is the difference between a veto and an override?
A veto is the official power to reject or block a decision, law, or proposal, used to stop something from taking effect. An override is a separate action taken afterward by another party to cancel out that veto and let the original decision proceed anyway.
Who typically has the power to veto something?
The power to veto is usually held by an official or body with specific authority, such as a president, governor, or council member, allowing them to officially reject or block proposals within their jurisdiction.
Can veto be used as a verb?
Yes, "to veto" means to officially reject or block something using this power, as in "the president vetoed the bill."