sanctions

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.

See Examples For:

sanctions

Kyiv calls its strikes "long-range sanctions", saying the attacks are justified retribution for Russia's more than four-year offensive and nightly attacks on its cities.

From Barron's ● Jul. 24, 2026

He called the sanctions decision "unlawful and unfair" and said the sanctions were meant "to prevent me from running and serving for Fide".

From BBC ● Jul. 24, 2026

Hit with sanctions, Russia reoriented its trade around China and other non-Western countries.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 23, 2026

Michigan Rep. John James, running for governor in a state that saw some of the worst air pollution from the smog, announced he would introduce legislation imposing sanctions on Canada.

From Slate ● Jul. 21, 2026

‘Ay, Jefe, you’ve raised strong morale after sanctions.’

From "In the Time of the Butterflies" by Julia Alvarez