Word
veto
Phoneticsve·to, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈviˌtoʊ/
UK/vˈiːtəʊ/
Definitions
01the right to block a law
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Law Formal
n. the official power to stop a law or decision from being passed.
n. the constitutional right or power of one branch of government to reject a bill or measure passed by another branch.
“The president decided to use his veto to stop the new tax law.”
“The executive branch exercised its power of veto, returning the proposed legislation to the senate with a list of specific objections.”
Usage
Often used with the verbs 'exercise', 'use', or 'apply'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02to reject a proposal
C1 · Advanced Formal
v. to refuse to allow a bill, plan, or idea to go forward.
v. to exercise a right of veto against a proposal or to authoritatively forbid a planned course of action.
“The committee vetoed the suggestion because it was too expensive.”
“The board of directors ultimately vetoed the merger, citing concerns over the long-term stability of the partner firm.”
Usage
This is a transitive verb and requires a direct object.
Real-World Examples
“On Wednesday, the bill, which was passed by New York City’s City Council, automatically became law because the mayor had opted not to veto it.” “It was ultimately vetoed by California Governor Gavin Newsom.” Etymology
From Latin vetō (“I forbid”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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