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
Parliament’s lower house dominates the legislative process, but the Senate plays an important role in passing constitutional amendments and approving Constitutional Court judges. — ABC News, 11 Oct. 2026 The endeavor received the support of the Thai Ministry of Culture, with the government approving the nomination in 2024. — Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 11 Oct. 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
  • Liu, who is not involved in the pope’s care, said that, of the different types of lung cancers, adenocarcinoma has the most favorable prognosis.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Many Laredo residents cross the border to run errands, taking advantage of lower grocery prices and a favorable exchange rate on the Mexican side of the river.
    — Justin Papp, CNBC, 14 Oct. 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
  • At the same time, more than nine in 10 Americans say the federal government has the power to make a positive impact on society — suggesting many believe the current administration is not making use of that power.
    — Morgan Chalfant, semafor.com, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Just 39% of Americans say AI has a positive impact on society, compared with 44% who believe its impact is negative, according to a national survey conducted this month by my company, Outward Intelligence.
    — Will Johnson, Time, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of positive
Verb
  • Meanwhile, Calvin Klein said Thursday the brand and Leoni will part ways at the end of her current contract, confirming speculation that had been circulating in the market.
    — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026
  • After confirming that the line from Exeter that ran through the village of Starcross didn’t open until the end of May, 1846, Cade and his team turned to the schedule for additional clues.
    — Mike McRae October 15, New Atlas, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of confirming
Adjective
  • Even if Chili’s dismissal is unrelated, an ex-employee is a good place to start.
    — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 15 Oct. 2026
  • In 2025, Toho posted its best-ever results at the Japanese box office.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of good
Verb
  • His team then assembles mood boards using references from films, music videos and other media before developing sketches and finalizing designs.
    — Tanya Fedak, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Bethenny Frankel is finalizing the launch of a new business venture.
    — Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of finalizing
Verb
  • Judge Stephanie Santoro granted Klitschko’s request, appointing him temporary guardian of his daughter’s estate and authorizing him to file a probate petition on her behalf.
    — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Enetec was sanctioned in July under a presidential executive order authorizing sanctions to Cuban entities posing a direct threat to national security or involved in repression.
    — Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of authorizing
Verb
  • His critics interpreted it as endorsing the massacre of Israeli civilians, though Abu Shehadeh and others vigorously denied that claim.
    — Tamir Sorek, The Conversation, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Leikauf’s announcement followed months of criticism from his predecessor, John D’Agostini, who served three terms as sheriff before endorsing Leikauf in 2022.
    — Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 20 Oct. 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 22 Oct. 2026.

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