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 of disapprove

• reject
• deny
• refuse
• decline

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

Less than 30% of respondents over that age disapproved of such policies. — Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 11 July 2026

Mamdani was less popular with the public as a whole, with Americans overall disapproving of him by a 28% to 27% margin, the poll found. — Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 8 July 2026

Quinnipiac found majorities of voters disapproved of the way that Trump is handling immigration issues, the economy, foreign policy and the ongoing war with Iran. — Nicholas Kerr, ABC News, 4 July 2026

Even so, Zaslav’s package failed to win shareholder support; 84% of those who voted in June disapproved, following a similar rejection a year before. — Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1562, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for disapprove

• approve
• disprove
• improve
• remove
• reprove
• groove
• move
• prove

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