ratify

verb

rat·​i·​fy ˈra-tə-ˌfī How to pronounce ratify (audio)
ratified; ratifying
Synonyms of ratify

transitive verb

: to approve and sanction formally : confirm
ratify a treaty
ratifier
ˈra-tə-ˌfī(-ə)r How to pronounce ratify (audio)
noun

Synonyms of ratify

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Examples of ratify in a Sentence

A number of countries have refused to ratify the treaty. Lincoln's home state of Illinois was the first to ratify the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which provided for the abolition of slavery.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Once ratified, these findings create permanent licensing precedents. — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2026 If ratified by a majority of members, the agreement will come before the CSU Board of Trustees at its November meeting. — Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 9 Oct. 2026 Another way to overcome fragmentation and boost growth is to develop the African Continental Free Trade Area, a pact ratified by 50 of Africa’s countries aimed at creating one of the world’s biggest duty-free zones. — Jared Cohen, Foreign Affairs, 7 Oct. 2026 Instead, EuroLeague plans to move from 10-year licenses to a permanent franchise model, which is expected to be ratified within the next 60 days. — Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 6 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ratify

Word History

Etymology

Middle English ratifien, from Anglo-French ratifier, from Medieval Latin ratificare, from Latin ratus determined, from past participle of reri to calculate — more at reason entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ratify was in the 14th century

Rhymes for ratify

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Browse Nearby Words

ratifier
ratify
ratihabition
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Cite this Entry

“Ratify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ratify. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

ratify

verb
rat·​i·​fy ˈrat-ə-ˌfī How to pronounce ratify (audio)
ratified; ratifying
: to give legal or official approval to
ratify a treaty

Legal Definition

ratify

transitive verb
rat·​i·​fy ˈra-tə-ˌfī How to pronounce ratify (audio)
ratified; ratifying
: to make valid or effective
especially : to adopt or affirm (as the prior act or contract of an agent) by express or implied consent with the effect of original authorization
unable to rescind the contract because he ratified it by accepting the benefits
compare reform
ratification
ˌra-tə-fə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce ratify (audio)
noun
ratifier
ˈra-tə-ˌfī-ər How to pronounce ratify (audio)
noun
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