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Synonyms

on approval

Idioms  

  1. To be returned if not satisfactory, as in They're offering custom-made shoes, manufactured from a computer design, on approval. This expression, applied nearly always to the purchase of goods, was first recorded in 1870.

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.

GSK’s stock initially rose 2.9% on approval news but fell 5% the next day as investors assessed the limited scope of the approval.

From Barron's • Oct. 24, 2025

They’re waiting on approval from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 4, 2025

Moreover, given their arbitrary nature, their rules on approval, control and sanctions must be held to be unjustified restrictions on the freedom to provide services.

From BBC • Dec. 21, 2023

The agreement will be contingent on approval this spring by Virginia’s General Assembly.

From Washington Times • Dec. 12, 2023

A wealthy collector, whose purchases were generally closed on the judgment of a distinguished bookman, asked to have the copy sent on approval.

From The Book-Hunter in London Historical and Other Studies of Collectors and Collecting by Roberts, W. (William)

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

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.