approvalnoun [ U ]
uk/əˈpruː.vəl/us/əˈpruː.vəl/approval noun [ U ] (GOOD OPINION)
B2 the feeling of having a positive opinion of someone or something:
He showed his approval by smiling broadly.
Alan is someone who always needs the approval of other people.
Sam always tried hard to win his father's approval.
formal Does the wine meet with your approval? (= Do you like the wine?)
on approval
If you buy something on approval, you can return it without payment if it is not satisfactory.
More examples
- The new reforms have not met with considerable public approval.
- Unfortunately the arrangements did not meet with Lady Margaret's approval.
- When he came back on stage, the delighted audience were quick to show their approval.
- She is an anxious little child who is always looking for approval from those around her.
- It's an impressive design, but it probably won't receive much popular approval.
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Approving & approval
- approbation
- approving
- blessing
- countenance
- nice
- nice one! idiom
- royal assent
- rubber stamp
- seal
- seal of approval idiom
- thumb
- thumbs up idiom
- vote of confidence
You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics:
Buying
approval noun [ U ] (PERMISSION)
B2 official permission:
The project has now received approval from the government.
The teacher gave the student a nod of approval.
More examples
- We plan to go on Wednesday, subject to your approval.
- The developers submitted building plans to the council for approval.
- My plans are ripening - now all I need is official approval.
- The government has given the proposal its seal of approval.
- I trust the arrangements will meet with the committee's approval.
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Allowing and permitting
- admit of sth
- allow
- allow of sth
- allowable
- authorization
- authorize
- concession
- green
- leave
- let
- let sb/sth in
- let sb/sth out
- licence
- license
- mandate
- OK
- open the floodgates idiom
- sanction
- submit
- unlicensed
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