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rubber-stamp

verb
rub·​ber-stamp | \ ˈrə-bər-ˈstamp How to pronounce rubber-stamp (audio) \
rubber-stamped; rubber-stamping; rubber-stamps

Definition of rubber-stamp

 (Entry 1 of 2)

transitive verb

1 : to approve, endorse, or dispose of as a matter of routine or at the command of another
2 : to mark with a rubber stamp

rubber stamp

noun

Definition of rubber stamp (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : a stamp of rubber for making imprints
2a : a person who echoes or imitates others
b : a mostly powerless yet officially recognized body or person that approves or endorses programs and policies initiated usually by a single specified source the parliament was a rubber stamp for the dictator
3a : a stereotyped copy or expression the usual rubber stamps of criticism— H. L. Mencken
b : a routine endorsement or approval
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Synonyms for rubber-stamp

Synonyms: Noun

aper, copycat, copyist, echo, follower, imitator, wannabe (also wannabee)

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Examples of rubber-stamp in a Sentence

Noun

 The legislature has been nothing more than a rubber stamp for the President. an author who was ultimately just another rubber stamp of Hemingway

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

 Perez denied accusations that the board had become the chief’s rubber stamp. — Los Angeles Times, "Edith Perez, daughter of migrant farmworkers who led L.A.’s Police Commission, dies," 1 Aug. 2019 Although the deal hasn't been given the rubber stamp by the authorities, Roma announced that Spinazzola is undergoing his medical ahead of a move to the Stadio Olimpico. — SI.com, "Roma Confirm Leonardo Spinazzola Medical Ahead of Swap Deal With Juventus," 29 June 2019 Doogie Howser’ rubber stamp another decision that has less to do with science and everything to do with politics. — Nick Paumgarten, The New Yorker, "The Message of Measles," 26 Aug. 2019 There is no objectivity in this county budget proposal as witnessed by the rubber stamp from the county board. — Letter Writers, Twin Cities, "Letters: Another tax increase? I’m done!," 11 Aug. 2019 Deal nearly falls apart Sandbrook expected his months of expansion legwork on behalf of the Pac-8 to pay off with a rubber stamp unanimous approval from the presidents/chancellors at a Dec. 13, 1976, meeting in San Francisco. — Jeff Metcalfe, azcentral, "Reluctant to leave WAC, Arizona State has Arizona to thank for pushing move into Pac-8," 22 June 2019 Some rubber stamps go missing from the office one night, and the new boy is the prime suspect. — MarĂ­a Gainza, Harper's magazine, "Both Sides Now," 10 May 2019 Your periodic reminder that Trump's culture of open corruption could not happen without a GOP rubber stamp Congress. — Umair Irfan, Vox, "Ryan Zinke to the oil and gas industry: “Our government should work for you”," 21 Sep. 2018 For countries that were under Moscow’s sway for decades after World War II and continue to face pressure from their huge eastern neighbor, putting a rubber stamp on Trump’s coziness to Putin might seem paradoxical, even shocking. — Michal Kranz, Vox, "Why Eastern European countries aren’t attacking Trump over NATO," 26 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'rubber-stamp.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of rubber-stamp

Verb

1893, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Noun

1873, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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More Definitions for rubber-stamp

rubber-stamp

verb
How to pronounce rubber stamp (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of rubber-stamp

 (Entry 1 of 2)

usually disapproving : to approve or allow (something) without seriously thinking about it

rubber stamp

noun

English Language Learners Definition of rubber stamp (Entry 2 of 2)

: a small tool that consists of a handle attached to a piece of carved rubber and that is dipped in ink and then pressed on paper to print a date, name, symbol, etc.
disapproving : a person or organization that automatically approves everything that someone does or decides

See the full definition for rubber stamp in the English Language Learners Dictionary

rubber stamp

noun

Kids Definition of rubber stamp

: a stamp with a printing face of rubber

More from Merriam-Webster on rubber-stamp

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with rubber-stamp

Spanish Central: Translation of rubber-stamp

Nglish: Translation of rubber-stamp for Spanish Speakers

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