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Definitions

sanction

[sangk-shuhn] / ˈsæŋk ʃən /
NOUN
authorization
Synonyms
STRONGEST
approval
STRONG
acquiescence allowance approbation assent authority backing confirmation consent countenance encouragement endorsement fiat go ahead leave nod okay permission permit ratification recommendation sufferance support word
WEAK
green light seal of approval stamp of approval
Antonyms
STRONG
denial disagreement disapproval discouragement opposition prohibition question refusal rejection veto
WEAK
award honor prevention reward
NOUN
embargo, punishment
Synonyms
STRONGEST
ban boycott injunction penalty sentence
STRONG
command decree writ
WEAK
coercive measure punitive measure
Antonyms
WEAK
award disapproval honor prevention refusal reward veto
VERB
authorize, confirm
Synonyms
STRONGEST
accredit allow approve certify empower endorse permit ratify warrant
STRONG
back bless commission countenance license okay support
WEAK
get behind give the go-ahead give the green light give the nod go for vouch for
Antonyms
STRONGEST
deny disagree disallow disapprove invalidate oppose protest refuse reject revoke
STRONG
discourage veto
WEAK
prevent

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.

The committee will next meet after the Easter recess to determine an appropriate sanction to recommend to the full House.

From Slate • Mar. 28, 2026

Bonar told me that she was not challenging the sanction but declined to comment on it further.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2026

Peter Tutton, director of policy, research, and public affairs at StepChange, said this "outdated" sanction should be removed.

From BBC • Mar. 22, 2026

The final sanction of imprisonment for non-payment of council tax is only for cases of "wilful refusal" or "culpable neglect".

From BBC • Mar. 22, 2026

It was nuclear, which always involved a lot of equipment and prep work, and besides that, we really couldn’t mess with Ukraine’s history without a sanction from their Glitch department.

From "Glitch" by Laura Martin

Vocabulary lists containing sanction

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Two-Faced Words: Contronyms

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The SAT: Multiple-Meaning Words, List 5

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!