Synonyms for

Veto

Verb / ˈvi:ˌtəʊ / Another word for veto — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

To reject or block a decision or proposal made by others.

Synonyms & similar words

forbid negative prohibit disallow interdict blackball permit allow proscribe nix deny decline refuse disapprove forbid prohibit reject oppose repudiate quash nullify invalidate abrogate annul cancel overturn revoke reverse veto withhold

Synonyms by register

Formal

prohibit reject disallow negate

Informal

shoot down turn down say no to block

Literary

quash nullify

Antonyms

approve endorse sanction ratify authorize permit allow

Common collocations

  • veto power
  • presidential veto
  • exercise a veto
  • veto legislation
  • veto bill
  • override a veto
  • veto motion

Word family

noun veto
verb veto

Usage note

Primarily used in political contexts, but can be used more broadly to mean 'to reject' or 'to forbid'.

Example sentences

  1. The teacher vetoed the idea of having a pizza party in class.
  2. The governor can use a veto to stop a bill from becoming a law.
  3. The homeowner vetoed the proposal to build a mall in their neighborhood.
  4. The president has the power to veto a bill passed by Congress.
  5. The CEO used his veto to reject the new marketing plan.

Quotes

  • I cannot veto this bill, because I think it is constitutional; and because I think it promotes the freedom and prosperity of the people. - Andrew Jackson
  • The power of veto is a central and indispensable characteristic of the modern presidency. - Richard Neustadt
  • I have a veto over certain stories, and I have a veto over who is assigned to some stories. - Judith Miller

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