approval

[uh-proo-vuhl]

noun

1. the act of approving; approbation.

2. formal permission or sanction.

3. Philately.,  one of a group of selected stamps sent by a dealer to a prospective customer for examination and either purchase or return.

approval

/ əˈpruːvəl /

noun

1. the act of approving

2. formal agreement; sanction

3. a favourable opinion; commendation

4. (of articles for sale) for examination with an option to buy or return

Other Word Forms

• nonapproval noun
• preapproval noun
• proapproval adjective
• reapproval noun
• self-approval noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of approval¹

First recorded in 1680–90; approve + -al ²

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. on approval, without obligation to buy unless satisfactory to the customer upon trial or examination and, otherwise, returnable.

   We ship merchandise on approval.

see on approval; seal of approval.

Example Sentences

The answer that has academia’s seal of approval is to define momentum over the period from 12 months previously to one month previously, and to reform the portfolio on a monthly basis.

Read more on MarketWatch

Advanced Micro Devices receives approval to sell 70,000 AI chips to Middle Eastern companies, according to a report.

Read more on Barron's

The deal is expected to close in the second quarter of 2026, pending approval from regulators and Exact Sciences shareholders.

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While it’s a relatively small allocation, the approval should point the way to bigger sales of chips to the Middle East in future for Nvidia and its peers.

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The interim guidance has been withdrawn and an updated code of practice is awaiting approval.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• blessing 
• confirmation 
• consent 
• endorsement 
• go ahead 
• green light 
• license 
• mandate 
• permission 
• ratification 
• recommendation 
• sanction 
• support