ratify
Americanverb (used with object)
-
to confirm by expressing consent, approval, or formal sanction.
to ratify a constitutional amendment.
- Synonyms:
- approve, corroborate
- Antonyms:
- disapprove, veto
-
to confirm (something done or arranged by an agent or by representatives) by such action.
verb
-
(tr) to give formal approval or consent to
Other Word Forms
- nonratifying adjective
- ratifiable adjective
- ratification noun
- ratifier noun
Etymology
Origin of ratify
First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English ratifien, from Middle French ratifier, from Medieval Latin ratificāre, equivalent to Latin rat(us) “calculated” ( rate 1 ) + -ificāre -ify
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.
Sir Keir said this year's summit "will not just ratify existing commitments made at last year's summit" but would be "more ambitious".
From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026
Vietnam goes to the polls on Sunday to elect members of the National Assembly, the country's top legislative body that serves mainly to ratify decisions by the ruling Communist Party.
From Barron's • Mar. 14, 2026
If optimists are right, and tariff effects fade while services inflation also moderates, expect the coming months to ratify CPI’s more sanguine picture.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 9, 2026
This week, the Basement’s union voted unanimously to ratify its first working contract, making it the first and only escape room to have a union and operate under a collective bargaining agreement.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 6, 2026
Despite Wilson’s efforts, Congress failed to ratify the Treaty of Versailles.
From "The War to End All Wars: World War I" by Russell Freedman
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.