1 veto | Definition of veto

veto

noun
ve·​to | \ ˈvē-(ˌ)tō How to pronounce veto (audio) \
plural vetoes

Definition of veto

 (Entry 1 of 2)

1 : an authoritative prohibition : interdiction
2a : a power of one department or branch of a government to forbid or prohibit finally or provisionally the carrying out of projects attempted by another department especially : a power vested in a chief executive to prevent permanently or temporarily the enactment of measures passed by a legislature
b(1) : the exercise of such authority
(2) : a message communicating the reasons of an executive and especially the president of the U.S. for vetoing a proposed law

veto

verb
vetoed; vetoing

Definition of veto (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

: to refuse to admit or approve : prohibit also : to refuse assent to (a legislative bill) so as to prevent enactment or cause reconsideration

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Other Words from veto

Verb

vetoer \ ˈvē-​(ˌ)tō-​ər How to pronounce vetoer (audio) \ noun

Synonyms & Antonyms for veto

Synonyms: Noun

ban, embargo, interdict, interdiction, prohibition, proscription

Synonyms: Verb

blackball, down, kill, negative, nix, shoot down

Antonyms: Noun

prescription

Antonyms: Verb

confirm, ratify

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Examples of veto in a Sentence

Noun

a veto of a bill Are there enough votes in Congress to override the President's veto? The President has the veto over new legislation. The President may choose to exercise his veto.

Verb

The President vetoed the bill. We wanted to do a cross-country trip, but our parents vetoed it. She vetoed several restaurants before we could agree on one.
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Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Now the shuffling begins at Alaska fisheries offices around the state as the impacts from back and forth veto volleys become more clear. Anchorage Daily News, "Breaking down the Alaska budget’s impact on commercial fisheries," 3 Sep. 2019 The City Council voted unanimously to override Mayor Karin Wilson's veto on an ordinance prohibiting sleeping in vehicles. J.d. Crowe | [email protected], al, "'Sleeping in cars’ is Fairhope fake snooze; City Council is real problem," 28 Aug. 2019 But the board would also have to renege on its veto promise to Elorza if the expansion is going to happen. Dan Mcgowan, BostonGlobe.com, "R.I. gave mayors control over certain charter schools. Now one is blocking an expansion," 26 Aug. 2019 There is one other thing that can happen during a recess: a president can execute a pocket-veto or make recess appointments. Natasha Bach, Fortune, "When Does Congress Reconvene? August Recess, Explained," 16 Aug. 2019 At the time, Ratcliff's plans still needed regulatory approval from the Indiana Gaming Commission, whose members are appointed by Holcomb, and changes to Indiana's gaming laws by the state legislature that Holcomb could approve or veto. Tony Cook, Indianapolis Star, "Inspector general OKs casino boss's private flights for Gov. Eric Holcomb," 8 Aug. 2019 The 5-4 vote here is significant because a veto override requires six council votes. San Diego Union-Tribune, "Column: San Diego makes big moves to ease affordable housing shortage," 4 Aug. 2019 Those who have challenged past vetoes have typically lost. Patrick Marley, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Conservatives ask state Supreme Court to block Gov. Tony Evers' budget vetoes," 31 July 2019 Three votes Monday to override Trump's vetoes failed. Fox News, "Trump administration gets green light to sell arms to Saudi Arabia, after Senate rejects veto overrides," 30 July 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

Opponents of the proposal are urging him to veto it. San Diego Union-Tribune, "Column: San Diego makes big moves to ease affordable housing shortage," 4 Aug. 2019 The chairman then withdrew his bill, saying Trump would veto it and saw no point. oregonlive.com, "Sen. Jeff Merkley gets closer to investigating Saudi students escaping U.S. justice, vows to continue effort," 26 July 2019 Wisconsin lawmakers passed such a bill this year, but Democratic Gov. Tony Evers vetoed it. Ryan Faircloth, Twin Cities, "Abortions in Minnesota decreased last year, according to new state report," 1 July 2019 El Salvador’s new president, Nayib Bukele, who was born months before the massacre, has promised to veto it. The Economist, "Are amnesties in Latin America always a bad idea?," 29 June 2019 Senate Republican leader Len Fasano of North Haven called the budget unconstitutional and urged Lamont to veto it. Russell Blair, courant.com, "Capitol Week in Review: Republicans and Democrats fight over UTC headquarters departure," 14 June 2019 Skillicorn says the governor has the authority to veto it. Lisa Donovan, chicagotribune.com, "The Spin: Amid the pot, casino talk out of legislature, you may have missed the part about lawmakers' pay hike," 4 June 2019 State lawmakers earlier this year passed a bill to create a new state licensing system for gun shops, but Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner, a Republican, vetoed it. Andrea Diaz And Marlena Baldacci, CNN, "In rural Illinois, officials are creating 'sanctuary' counties to protect gun owners from new laws," 8 May 2018 The Legislature put $325,000 into the budget in 2017 to fund the program, but Gov. Rick Scott vetoed it. Mary Ellen Klas, miamiherald, "VW has to pay Florida $166M after emissions scandal. How should we spend the money? | Miami Herald," 27 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'veto.' 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 veto

Noun

1629, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1706, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for veto

Noun

Latin, I forbid, from vetare to forbid

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More Definitions for veto

veto

noun

English Language Learners Definition of veto

 (Entry 1 of 2)

: a decision by a person in authority to not allow or approve something (such as a new law)
: the right or power of a person in authority to decide that something (such as a new law) will not be approved

veto

verb

English Language Learners Definition of veto (Entry 2 of 2)

: to reject (a proposed law) officially : to refuse to allow (a bill) to become a law
: to refuse to allow or accept (something, such as a plan or suggestion)

veto