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

Twenty-eight percent approve of congressional Democrats' handling of the issue versus 53 percent who disapprove. —Deputy News Editor, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025

Dek’s dad may disapprove, but then, the point of this mission is to expand the Yautja mythology and set up potential sequels. —Peter Debruge, Variety, 4 Nov. 2025

Overall, 65% of Americans disapprove of how Trump is handling tariffs, including 96% of Democrats, 72% of independents and 29% of Republicans. —Emily Guskin, ABC News, 4 Nov. 2025

Polling from the Public Policy Institute of California found that 83 percent of the state’s adults disapprove of how Congress is functioning. —Kate Wolffe, Sacbee.com, 4 Nov. 2025

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