disapprove

verb

dis·​ap·​prove ˌdis-ə-ˈprüv How to pronounce disapprove (audio)
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 adverb

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 Going into the speech, the Web site FiveThirtyEight had Biden’s unfavorable ratings at the highest level of his Presidency, with more than fifty-six per cent disapproving of his performance in office. Susan B. Glasser, The New Yorker, 8 Mar. 2024 Everyday people who hard-launch a relationship on social media or share a mushy post about their significant other should brace themselves for unwanted comments and intrusive questions from everyone including disapproving relatives, envious exes and judgmental acquaintances. USA TODAY, 20 Feb. 2024 Over time, the musicians also drew the disapproving attention of a government that had limited tolerance for social criticism, much less political antagonism. Lisa Anderson, Foreign Affairs, 20 Feb. 2024 Council Members Chonburi Lee and Nikki Villavicencio disapproved of the process to hire Sable, a city employee, without the council holding a formal vote. Anna Pearson, Twin Cities, 16 Feb. 2024 The number who disapprove of both parties is at an all-time high. Marshall Ingwerson, The Christian Science Monitor, 8 Feb. 2024 The deal was aimed at addressing a $3 billion budget shortfall, but critics on TV and across social media disapproved of the move. Madeline Nguyen, The Arizona Republic, 3 Feb. 2024 Instead officials were divided and provided recommendations for approving and disapproving the plans. Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 21 Feb. 2024 Many Detroiters disapproved, adamantly, of the state taking control of the beloved city asset. Keith Matheny, Detroit Free Press, 17 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'disapprove.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1562, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of disapprove was circa 1562

Dictionary Entries Near disapprove

Cite this Entry

“Disapprove.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disapprove. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

disapprove

verb
dis·​ap·​prove ˌdis-ə-ˈprüv How to pronounce disapprove (audio)
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 adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on disapprove

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