‘Indorsement’ vs ‘Endorsement’: What’s the Difference?

Do you need to know the difference between an 'indorsement' vs. 'endorsement?' I will explain.

Here is a quick summary in case you are in a hurry:

• 'Indorsement' is a spelling variation of 'endorsement.'
• 'Endorsement' is a noun that means the act of endorsing something or giving it approval.

However, there is a ton of confusion surrounding these spelling variations and when they should be used. Do not worry, though.

By the time you finish reading this guide with definitions, examples, and writing tips, you will be an expert on the topic.

What's the Difference Between 'Indorsement' vs. 'Endorsement?'

• 'Indorsement' is sometimes used in legal documents and statutes. It is also used by some government agencies, including the Department of Treasury. But most dictionaries and references prefer the second spelling.
• Furthermore, some sources claim the first spelling is correct when talking about the signature on the back of a check. However, if you look at the back of a check, they almost always have an 'endorsement' line that says, 'Endorse Here.'

So, you can use either of these spellings. They are just two different ways to spell the same word.

Definition of 'Indorsement': What Does 'Indorsement' Mean?

According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, 'indorsement' is a spelling variation of 'endorsement,' and both spellings share the same definition.

Definition of 'Endorsement': What Does 'Endorsement' Mean?

The same dictionary defines 'endorsement' as a noun that means:

• The process or act of endorsing something or someone
• A written marking that is given while endorsing
• An approval or sanction
• Income or revenue earned from recommending or acting as a spokesperson for a product.
• A provision that alters adds to, or changes the application or scope of an insurance contract or policy.

Synonyms and Similar Words to 'Indorsement' or 'Endorsement'

As a freelance writer, keeping your content fresh can be challenging. You should never use more than one spelling of a term throughout a document.

However, you can use synonyms in place of frequently used terms to prevent your text from becoming repetitive.

So, here is a list of synonyms you could use instead.

• Approval
• Ratification
• Support
• Vote
• Approbation
• Sanction
• Seal of approval
• Stamp of approval
• Acceptance
• Backing
• Okay
• Consent
• Blessing
• Assent
• Thumbs up
• Cachet
• Favor
• Goodwill
• Benediction
• Liking
• Concurrence
• Countenance
• Benediction
• Satisfaction
• Signature
• Hand
• Mark
• Autograph
• John Hancock

Pronunciation: How to Pronounce 'Indorsement' vs. 'Endorsement'

When it comes to the pronunciations of 'indorsement' vs. 'endorsement,' both spellings sound the same.

Here is a brief pronunciation guide you can reference:

• Use this phonetic spelling to pronounce 'indorsement':

in-dor-smunt

• Use this phonetic spelling to pronounce 'endorsement':

in-dor-smunt

Writing Tips: When to Use 'Indorsement' vs. 'Endorsement'

You know that 'indorsement' and 'endorsement' are both acceptable spellings. But how do you know when to use each?

Well, here is a guide to help you determine when and how to use 'indorsement' vs. 'endorsement.'

• Use 'indorsement' if you are summarizing a document, law, or another source that uses the i spelling.

As an example, I might say:

According to the Council of the District of Columbia, a fraudulent or unauthorized indorsement is one by someone not authorized to sign for the account holder. 

• Use 'endorsement' when discussing a monetary deal offered to an athlete or celebrity in exchange for their support of a product or brand.

For example, you could say:

His family always knew that he was committed to becoming the best athlete he could be, but they never dreamed he would turn his passion into millions of dollars in endorsements. 

• Use 'indorsement' throughout an entire text if it is the spelling you choose.

Here is an example:

Dear Mr. Henderson, 

We received an email from one of your clients with an incredible indorsement of you and our products. Please reach out to me when you have some time. I would love to discuss the details provided in the indorsement, and personally congratulate you on a job well done. 

• Use 'endorsement' when to show support for something or someone.

So, you could say something like:

After reading her self-published ebook, the best-selling author gave her the endorsement of a lifetime. 

Sample Sentences Using 'Indorsement' and 'Endorsement'

Now, read these sample sentences. They should help you learn and remember how to use these terms in various contexts.

Indorsement

• After the incredible indorsement given by the committee, how can we pass on this candidate?
• The Department of Treasury released a document to clarify regulations for indorsements and payments for checks issued by the United States Treasury.
• The document specifically stated that indorsements should be spelled with an i throughout the document, but it did not explain why.
• After signing the 21st check indorsement, the signor's hand began to cramp.

Endorsement

• Do you think it would be possible to get an endorsement from the high school newspaper editor to run the story?
• I wasn't impressed with his half-hearted endorsement of our project.
• Without an endorsement from a well-known candidate, it is unlikely that she will win the election.
• The deadline for the endorsement is July 31st. If you do not have it by then, it won't do you any good.

Last Thoughts: The Difference Between 'Indorsement' vs. 'Endorsement'

We covered a lot of information in this guide. So, here is a quick recap of what you learned about the difference between an 'indorsement' vs. 'endorsement': 

• 'Indorsement' and 'endorsement' are two spelling variations of the same word. 
• Some legal documents use 'indorsement,' while others use 'endorsement.' 
• You are free to use the spelling you like unless you are writing a technical essay or summarizing laws that specifically use 'indorsement.' 

English words that have two spellings are always problematic. If you are like me, you sometimes find yourself questioning things you know.

However, as a professional writer, if you are unsure about the spelling, meaning, or grammatical usage of a word, you should verify it with a credible source.

You can use this site as a reference tool when you have a question about a topic like this one. Or, you can commit to visiting each week to brush up on your writing and grammar skills by reading my latest posts.

Either way, I am glad you are here, and I hope this lesson answered your questions and taught you some new things.

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