approving 1 of 2

adjective

ə-ˈprü-viŋ How to pronounce approving (audio)
Definition of approvingnext
as in favorable
expressing approval the play did not receive a single approving notice

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

approving

2 of 2

verb

present participle of approve
as in ratifying
to give official acceptance of as satisfactory as soon as the pond project was approved, the bulldozers were at the site

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of approving
Adjective
Leaders spend less time approving and more time setting direction and context. — Anna Drobakha, Forbes.com, 19 May 2026 My hostess stands in the middle of her guests and offers me the slightest of nods, the quick upward pull of an approving smile. — Danielle Parker, CBS News, 8 Mar. 2026
Verb
The moratorium, if enacted, would prohibit the county from accepting, processing or approving any large-scale data center application. — Abigail Hasebroock, Sun Sentinel, 27 Aug. 2026 The board minutes show no evidence that the board sought advice from arts administrators, acoustic experts or performers in making or approving renovation plans. — Anastasia Tsioulcas, NPR, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for approving
Recent Examples of Synonyms for approving
  1. favorable
  2. ratifying
  3. positive
  4. confirming
  5. good
  6. finalizing
  7. authorizing
  8. endorsing
Adjective
  • In addition, environmental conditions are quite favorable for intensification while Edouard remains over water.
    — Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Officials, however, said favorable weather in the coming days could help in the battle to control the blazes.
    — Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of favorable
Verb
  • Hence, the National Players Basketball Association plans to talk with the NBA about ratifying the CBA to alter spending restrictions.
    — Mark Medina, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
  • The European Union and the United States took one ultra-laborious step forward in ratifying their bilateral trade deal in late June.
    — Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 23 July 2026
Definition of ratifying
Adjective
  • Though Rosado tested positive for a small amount of meth and had been going up to 90 mph, the evidence indicated that Rosado had fallen asleep and that his car drifted off the freeway before hitting a guardrail, Cherney said.
    — Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2026
  • His remarks later shifted toward perseverance and remaining positive through difficult circumstances.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of positive
Verb
  • Golden 1 Center later announced that the concert had been postponed, confirming that a member of the touring crew died.
    — Brandon Downs, CBS News, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Measles cases have surged in Maryland, with state leaders confirming 14 new cases this week and outbreaks in three counties.
    — Mike Stunson, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of confirming
Adjective
  • Best Amazon End-of-Season Patio Furniture Deals The end-of-season patio furniture deals at Amazon are too good to pass up.
    — Maria Conti, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Grichuk put a good swing on a slider while flying out to left field.
    — LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of good
Verb
  • The former couple were married for 13 years before finalizing their divorce in 2000.
    — Mariah Alanskas, PEOPLE, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Designer Aaron Esh, a city native known for his buzzy namesake label, is finalizing almost a year’s worth of work as AllSaints chief creative officer, ahead of the big reveal on September 1.
    — Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of finalizing
Verb
  • Crypto verifies the transaction, not the assumption someone made before authorizing it.
    — Boaz Sobrado, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026
  • In that case, voters had already approved an amendment in April authorizing mid-decade redistricting when the court ruled that lawmakers last year had waited too long to take an initial step necessary to qualify it for the ballot.
    — David A. Lieb, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of authorizing
Verb
  • Candidates including Democratic billionaire Tom Steyer paid thousands of dollars to influencers who posted videos endorsing Steyer or talking about him in a positive light.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Trump has been weighing in heavily on the midterm races, frequently endorsing candidates who have stepped out of line from the MAGA agenda.
    — Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of endorsing

Browse Nearby Words

approves (of)
approving
approvingly
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Approving.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/approving. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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