acceptance

noun

ac·​cep·​tance ik-ˈsep-tən(t)s 

ak-

1

: the quality or state of being accepted or acceptable

His theories have gained widespread acceptance.

2

: the act of accepting something or someone : the fact of being accepted : approval

acceptance of responsibility

3

law : an agreeing either expressly or by conduct to the act or offer of another so that a contract is concluded and the parties become legally bound

4

a

: the act of accepting a time draft or bill of exchange for payment when due according to the specified terms

b

: an accepted draft or bill of exchange

5

: acceptation sense 2

Examples of acceptance in a Sentence

her acceptance into the club

The university has sent me a letter of acceptance.

He delivered an acceptance speech after he was chosen as the party's presidential nominee.

Recent Examples on the Web

Italian Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli has ordered inspectors to the Venice Biennale headquarters, doubling down on a series of checks into the acceptance of Russia’s participation in the international art exhibition, La Stampa reports. —Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 30 Apr. 2026

As standards rise, even small increases in test scores can make the difference between acceptance and rejection. —Micky Horstman, Chicago Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026

Sports wagering is now legal in most states — and embedded into the league’s culture, with official sportsbook partners and the widespread acceptance of a previously taboo practice. —Michael Silver, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2026

The winners of a student social media contest, where local middle and high school students created social posts on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok that promote acceptance, were also announced. —Jessica Tzikas, Sun Sentinel, 29 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Anglo-French, "agreement to abide by the act on another," from accepter "to accept" + -ance -ance

First Known Use

circa 1530, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Phrases Containing acceptance

• acceptance speech
• banker's acceptance
• find acceptance
• self-acceptance
• trade acceptance

Rhymes for acceptance

• nonacceptance

Kids Definition

acceptance

noun

ac·​cep·​tance ik-ˈsep-tən(t)s 

ak-

1

: the act of accepting

2

: the quality or state of being accepted or acceptable