• synonyms


[ak-sep-tuh ns]
See more synonyms for acceptance on Thesaurus.com
  1. the act of taking or receiving something offered.
  2. favorable reception; approval; favor.
  4. the fact or state of being accepted or acceptable.
  5. acceptation(def 1).
  6. Commerce.
Show More

Origin of acceptance

First recorded in 1565–75; accept + -ance
Related formsnon·ac·cept·ance, nounpre·ac·cept·ance, nounpro·ac·cept·ance, adjectivere·ac·cept·ance, nounself-ac·cep·tance, nounun·ac·cept·ance, noun

British Dictionary definitions for nonacceptance


  1. the act or an instance of not accepting or being accepted
Show More


  1. the act of accepting or the state of being accepted or acceptable
  2. favourable reception; approval
  3. (often foll by of) belief (in) or assent (to)
  4. commerce
    1. a formal agreement by a debtor to pay a draft, bill, etc
    2. the document so acceptedCompare bank acceptance
  5. (plural) Australian and NZ a list of horses accepted as starters in a race
  6. contract law words or conduct by which a person signifies his assent to the terms and conditions of an offer or agreement
Show More

Word Origin and History for nonacceptance



1570s, from Middle French acceptance, from accepter (see accept). Earlier in same sense was acceptation (late 14c.).

Show More
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper