sanction 1 of 2

sanction

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb sanction differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of sanction are accredit, approve, certify, and endorse. While all these words mean "to have or express a favorable opinion of," sanction implies both approval and authorization.

the President sanctioned covert operations

How do accredit and certify relate to one another, in the sense of sanction?

Both accredit and certify usually imply official endorsement attesting to conformity to set standards.

the board voted to accredit the college
must be certified to teach

In what contexts can approve take the place of sanction?

While the synonyms approve and sanction are close in meaning, approve often implies no more than this but may suggest considerable esteem or admiration.

the parents approve of the marriage

When would endorse be a good substitute for sanction?

The synonyms endorse and sanction are sometimes interchangeable, but endorse suggests an explicit statement of support.

publicly endorsed her for Senator

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of sanction
Noun
As for any possible fines or sanctions on the company responsible, the EPA spokesperson said the agency cannot comment on potential or ongoing enforcement actions. Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 July 2025 These are tools with horizontal utility – used across functions and teams, often with little or no official sanction. Peter Bendor-Samuel, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
Verb
Lawyers are sanctioned for submitting motions and other court filings filled with case citations that are not real and were created by generative AI. Jaclyn Diaz, NPR, 10 July 2025 While considered a remarkable feat in the NASCAR world, the race has also been an expensive proposition for the sanctioning body — more than $50 million spent for the inaugural race in 2023, with less attendance than originally hoped. Jeff Gluck, New York Times, 6 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for sanction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sanction
Noun
  • Noni Madueke has been given permission by Chelsea to undergo a medical with Arsenal.
    David Ornstein, New York Times, 11 July 2025
  • Castillo denies that anyone in the department would give approval for the locks to be removed, and the man can’t name the individual who gave him permission, according to Castillo.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • Two sources who spoke to Reuters said the U.S. may approve $30 million per month in grants to the GHF in the future.
    Beth Bailey, FOXNews.com, 12 July 2025
  • The Overland Park City Council recently approved a purchase and sale agreement for a seven-story, 154,000-square foot building on College Boulevard and Metcalf Avenue to create a new City Hall building.
    Taylor O’Connor July 11, Kansas City Star, 11 July 2025
Noun
  • Medicare Advantage plan members can face prior authorization for many services, whereas Original Medicare has considerably fewer situations requiring approval.
    Diane Omdahl, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • In January, the US Food and Drug Administration gave marketing authorization to certain nicotine pouches for the first time, allowing sales of 10 flavors of popular brand Zyn to help adult smokers quit or cut back on their tobacco use.
    Jeffrey Kopp, CNN Money, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • Has a top jockey in the irons, but can’t see him being ratified here.
    Danny Brewer, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • Visual effects workers employed by Saturday Night Live have ratified their first union contract.
    Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • Deloitte’s Connected Consumer survey echoes the tension: Enthusiasm for generative AI co-exists with a demand for transparency, accountability and explicit consent.
    Boris Dzhingarov, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • While rare, these incidents raise valid concerns about control and consent.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 14 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sanction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sanction. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.

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