The words approbation and opprobrium have definitions that are directly opposite to each other, which makes these words antonyms. We will examine the definitions of approbation and opprobrium, where these words came from and some examples of their use in sentences.
Approbation means approval, endorsement, praise or commendation. Related words are approbative and approbatory. The word approbation first appeared in the English language in the early 1400s, derived from the Old French word aprobacion which means approval.
Opprobrium means harsh criticism, public disgrace stemming from a shameful act. Related words are opprobrious and opprobiously. The word opprobrium first appeared in the English language in the 1600s, derived from the Latin word opprobrare, meaning to reproach.
Examples
Desperate for the approval of the present and of the future, the 45th President has also occasionally sought the approbation of the past. (TIME Magazine)
To host Kim Jong Un in the nation’s capitol would be unacceptable, because it would give him undeserved approbation and put his rogue nation on an equal footing with our allies. (The Daily Record)
The termination of the Big Three model receives our approbation due to the new possibilities it could bring to Pakistan cricket; although the new financial model allots the same share amount to the PCB as the Big Three did, the PCB claims Pakistan suffered some colossal losses in revenue as promises made were not kept under the former model. (The Express Tribune)
It would send a message that the U.S., which has garnered opprobrium around the world thanks to President Trump’s proposed travel ban and the construction of a border wall, is not “Fortress America.” (The Los Angeles Times)
Such social opprobrium may eventually begin to penetrate the skulls of phone-mad drivers. (The Willamette Weekly)
His power at the moment confirms again what a disastrous failure Hillary Clinton’s campaign really was and why Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the beloved liberal hero of the supreme court, deserves only opprobrium for not retiring when Obama and a Senate Democratic majority had a chance to name an ideologically suitable replacement. (The Guardian)