approval

noun

ap·​prov·​al ə-ˈprü-vəl How to pronounce approval (audio)
Synonyms of approvalnext
: an act or instance of approving something : approbation
The change is subject to the committee's approval.
see also:

Examples of approval in a Sentence

children who never gained their parents' approval Do I have your approval to make the changes? The rally will be on May 19, provided the city gives its approval. The government has so far withheld approval of the drug. We were required to get approvals at each stage of the project.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Because Pe’Sla was not included as an affected area and no environmental review was conducted, the approval violates the National Historic Preservation Act and National Environmental Policy Act, the lawsuit alleges. Sarah Raza, Los Angeles Times, 5 May 2026 Both hires require formal approval from their respective school boards, which are expected to vote in May. Daniel I. Dorfman, Chicago Tribune, 4 May 2026 Faster, more predictable approvals reduce delays that drive up costs. Linh Tat, Oc Register, 4 May 2026 How to Become an Alo Member Becoming an Alo member doesn’t take a lengthy approval process or a down payment. Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 4 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for approval

Word History

Etymology

see approve

First Known Use

1613, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of approval was in 1613

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Approval.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/approval. Accessed 5 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

approval

noun
ap·​prov·​al ə-ˈprü-vəl How to pronounce approval (audio)
: an act or instance of approving

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