Synonyms

approbative

American

[ap-ruh-bey-tiv, uh-proh-buh-] / ˈæp rəˌbeɪ tɪv, əˈproʊ bə- /

Also approbatory

adjective

approving; expressing approbation.

Other Word Forms

approbativeness noun
subapprobative adjective
subapprobativeness noun
subapprobatory adjective

Etymology

Origin of approbative

From the Medieval Latin word approbātīvus, dating back to 1605–15. See approbate, -ive

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

His supporters in New York, who range from Mayor Edward Koch to Philanthropist and Civic Leader Brooke Astor, also praise him in what has become an almost monotonously approbative Gregorian chant.

From Time Magazine Archive

"Ha!" said the stout man, and this time the exclamation was purely approbative.

From The City of Numbered Days by Lynde, Francis

He had both providence turning about the kingdom to him, and also the warrant of the Lord's approbative and preceptive will.

From A Hind Let Loose Or, An Historical Representation of the Testimonies of the Church of Scotland for the Interest of Christ. With the True State Thereof in All Its Periods by Shields, Alexander

If the distinction between the preceptive and providential will of God is to be overthrown, then providence must be expressive of God's approbative ordination, equally as his revealed will is.

From Act, Declaration, & Testimony for the Whole of our Covenanted Reformation, as Attained to, and Established in Britain and Ireland; Particularly Betwixt the Years 1638 and 1649, Inclusive by Presbytery, The Reformed

You are sensitive, approbative, delicately organized; your whole nature inclines you to give way and yield to the nature of those around you.

From The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 15, No. 90, April, 1865 by Various

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023