disapprove

verb

dis·​ap·​prove ˌdis-ə-ˈprüv 

disapproved; disapproving; disapproves

transitive verb

1

: to pass unfavorable judgment on

2

: to refuse approval to : reject

intransitive verb

: to feel or express disapproval

disapprover noun

disapprovingly

ˌdis-ə-ˈprü-viŋ-lē 

adverb

Synonyms

• decline
• deny
• disallow
• negative
• nix
• refuse
• reject
• reprobate
• withhold

Examples of disapprove in a Sentence

She married him even though her parents disapproved.

The treaty was disapproved by the Senate.

Recent Examples on the Web

Most Americans disapprove of Israel’s war in Gaza, according to a Gallup poll released Wednesday. —Kelly kasulis Cho, Washington Post, 27 Mar. 2024

The reason for that is simple: Those voters also disapprove of Trump. —David Lauter, Los Angeles Times, 22 Mar. 2024

Over the course of a single summer, the pair fall madly in love only to be forced apart when Allie’s disapproving parents end their trip early. —EW.com, 14 Mar. 2024

But Allie’s wealthy parents disapprove of the penniless, free-spirited Noah, and take drastic measures to sever ties between them. —Patrick Ryan, USA TODAY, 11 Mar. 2024

Views of the president As Americans' views of the economy improve some, the president's approval rating on his handling has also improved a bit, but most still disapprove. —Jennifer De Pinto, CBS News, 7 Mar. 2024

One of them is Kimberly Quinn’s disapproving Maggie, who pledges to do everything in her power to void Loder’s contract, but ends up sleeping with him all the same. —Tomris Laffly, Variety, 6 Mar. 2024

According to Bob’s website, Norval’s family strongly disapproved of his union with Booker. —Ariana Quihuiz, Peoplemag, 18 Feb. 2024

The process of approving or disapproving the many requests that pour in for the use of Hall & Oates hits in film and TV productions is simple, Oates explained. —Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 14 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1562, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Kids Definition

disapprove

verb

dis·​ap·​prove ˌdis-ə-ˈprüv 

1

: to dislike or be against someone or something

disapproved the child's conduct

disapproves of smoking

2

: to refuse to give approval to : reject

disapproved the architect's plans

disapprovingly

-ˈprü-viŋ-lē 

adverb