Approve

To accept or formally authorize a proposal, request, or action.

Reach for it when describing a decision that grants permission or effect

The safety board will approve the route once every check passes.

• everyday

  accept

  the proposal meets requirements and can move forward

  not when Acceptance may be reluctant and can occur without formal approval.

• professional

  authorize

  an authority grants permission to proceed

  not when Authorization grants permission but reveals no admiration for the proposal.

• formal

  ratify

  a prior agreement needs final formal confirmation

  not when Ratify is limited to treaties, decisions, and agreements already made.

• formal

  sanction

  official permission is the precise legal act

  not when Sanction is ambiguous because it can also mean a penalty.

To hold or express a favorable opinion of someone or something.

Reach for it when stating positive judgment without implying formal authority

Her mentors approve of the careful way she documents uncertainty.

• warm

  support

  ongoing backing matters more than one favorable opinion

  not when Support can continue despite reservations and need not mean approval.

• professional

  endorse

  active public backing is the intended judgment

  not when Endorsement is stronger and more promotional than simply approving.

• formal

  commend

  specific merit deserves expressed praise

  not when Commending goes beyond approval and should name the praiseworthy act.

• formal

  favor

  preference for one option is the key fact

  not when Favor compares alternatives and does not necessarily praise intrinsic quality.

• reject
• veto
• disapprove
• condemn

• approve the plan

  The board can approve the plan after the fire review.

• approve an application

  Two independent reviewers must approve an application.

• approve of the decision

  Most residents approve of the decision to retain the old trees.

• strongly approve

  The mentors strongly approve of her careful documentation.