What does "sanction" mean?
An approval, by an authority, generally one that makes something valid.
Sanction
/ˈsæŋkʃən/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Very common ·Middle school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: An approval, by an authority, generally one that makes something valid.
- Grammar: sanction is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: authorization, abet, accede, accede to.
- Useful contrasts: academic freedom, allowance, approval.
- Usage evidence: His father would never sanction his engagement to a girl who did not share the same religious beliefs as their family.
How to use "sanction"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "sanction" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "sanction" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "sanction" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "sanction" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "sanction" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "authorization" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "sanction", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 An approval, by an authority, generally one that makes something valid. countable, uncountable
"The whalers had been operating in the contested waters off the island with sanction from the Japanese government."
- 2 a mechanism of social control for enforcing a society's standards wordnet
- 3 A penalty, punishment, or some coercive measure, intended to ensure compliance; especially one adopted by several nations, or by an international body. countable, in-plural, uncountable
"The United States enacted a new round of sanctions against the apartheid regime of South Africa."
- 4 the act of final authorization wordnet
- 5 A law, treaty, or contract, or a clause within a law, treaty, or contract, specifying any of the above. countable, uncountable
Show 2 more definitions
- 6 official permission or approval wordnet
- 7 formal and explicit approval wordnet
Verb
- 1 To ratify; to make valid. transitive
- 2 give sanction to wordnet
- 3 To give official authorization or approval to; to countenance. transitive
"The school's inaction further sanctions this misbehavior."
- 4 give religious sanction to, such as through an oath wordnet
- 5 To penalize (a state etc.) with sanctions. transitive
"The generative AI chatbot, ChatGPT, can be duped into providing detailed advice on how to commit crimes — ranging from money laundering to the export of weapons to sanctioned countries — a tech startup found."
Show 1 more definition
- 6 give authority or permission to wordnet
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"His father would never sanction his engagement to a girl who did not share the same religious beliefs as their family."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "sanction"?
Common synonyms include: authorization, abet, accede, accede to, accept, acceptance.
How do you use "sanction" in a sentence?
His father would never sanction his engagement to a girl who did not share the same religious beliefs as their family.
How do you pronounce "sanction"?
Pronounced /ˈsæŋkʃən/.
Etymology
From Middle French sanction, from Latin sānctiō.