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

That’s when a chorus of disapproving groans emerges from the other end of the phone line. — Julie Klausner, New Yorker, 29 Oct. 2026

And among those who arrived after 2020 and answered the question, 92% strongly disapprove. — Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 29 Oct. 2026

The same Marist poll found 61% of likely voters disapprove of the president. — Marcia Kramer, CBS News, 28 Oct. 2026

Growing population Haredi Jews strictly observe Jewish religious law and often disapprove of liberal interpretations. — Hannah Ridge, The Conversation, 23 Oct. 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