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
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Conjugated Forms
Present
-
have ratifiedperfect
-
has ratifiedperfect 3rd person singular
-
am ratifyingprogressive 1st person singular
-
has been ratifyingperfect progressive 3rd person singular
-
is ratifyingprogressive 3rd person singular
-
are ratifyingprogressive
-
have been ratifyingperfect progressive
-
ratifyingparticiple
-
ratifiessingular 3rd person
Past
-
had ratifiedperfect
-
had been ratifyingperfect progressive
-
were ratifyingprogressive plural
-
was ratifyingprogressive singular
-
ratifiedparticiple
-
ratifiedsimple
Future
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” ( see rate 1) + -ificāre -ify
Explanation
To ratify a treaty or contract is to officially approve it by signing or voting for it. You and your brothers and sisters might devise a plan for a family vacation to Disney World, but it would need to be ratified by your parents. You are most likely to hear the word ratify when talking about laws. In the U.S., Congress writes bills, but they need to be ratified before they become law. An amendment to the U.S. Constitution must be ratified by three-fourths of the states, either passed by the state legislatures or by state conventions.
Vocabulary lists containing ratify
The Vocabulary.com Top 1000
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
American History I
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
The Tragedy of Macbeth
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!
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.
Union members are planning to vote Wednesday on whether to ratify the contract.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026
Updating the Exchange of Notes is "necessary in order to ratify the treaty", Doughty told MPs.
From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026
Unless the bill moves forward soon, the Senate and House of Representatives may run out of time to ratify the bill before political campaigning intensifies ahead of the November midterms.
From Barron's • Mar. 25, 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
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.
