disapproval
noun
dis·ap·prov·al
ˌdis-ə-ˈprü-vəl 
plural disapprovals
: the act or fact of disapproving : the opinion that someone or something is bad, wrong, etc. or the expressing of such an opinion
Although she said nothing, her disapproval was obvious.
Their plan was met with strong/widespread disapproval. [=criticism]
Research shows that public disapproval of sitting presidents tends to rise along with the cost of a fill-up.—
Cathy Biank
Cathy Biank… their precious romance may not survive his family's disapproval.—Pamela Hutchinson
Pamela HutchinsonCaroline's refusal to conform to convention earned her widespread disapproval …—Adam Sisman
Adam SismanFans of the hit franchise were quick to express their disapproval of the decision in the comments.—Alex Graf
Alex GrafOn the market floor, several attendees wore badges or pins showing their disapproval for the legislation.—Jennifer Bringle
Jennifer BringleExamples of disapproval in a Sentence
I could sense her disapproval.
They made their disapproval of our behavior very clear.
Recent Examples on the Web
History is not interested in your private disapproval.
—Arkansas Online, 17 Feb. 2026
And in the late 1980s, after Little Saigon found official recognition, freeway and street signs directing people to the community were frequently defaced and destroyed in disapproval, Hua said.
—Victoria Le, Oc Register, 17 Feb. 2026
That said, in striking down portions of the Voting Rights Act in Shelby County, the Court expressed its disapproval of federal voting legislation that treats different states differently.
—Jeffrey Rosen, The Atlantic, 16 Feb. 2026
Rick Wilking | Reuters Buffett, who usually does not criticize the management of a Berkshire holding, was uncharacteristically vocal about his disapproval when plans for the split were made public more than five months ago.
—Alex Crippen, CNBC, 14 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for disapproval
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Arkansas Online, 17 Feb. 2026
And in the late 1980s, after Little Saigon found official recognition, freeway and street signs directing people to the community were frequently defaced and destroyed in disapproval, Hua said.
—Victoria Le, Oc Register, 17 Feb. 2026
That said, in striking down portions of the Voting Rights Act in Shelby County, the Court expressed its disapproval of federal voting legislation that treats different states differently.
—Jeffrey Rosen, The Atlantic, 16 Feb. 2026
Rick Wilking | Reuters Buffett, who usually does not criticize the management of a Berkshire holding, was uncharacteristically vocal about his disapproval when plans for the split were made public more than five months ago.
—Alex Crippen, CNBC, 14 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for disapproval
Cite this Entry
“Disapproval.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disapproval. Accessed 19 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
disapproval
noun
dis·ap·prov·al
ˌdis-ə-ˈprü-vəl
1
: the act of disapproving : the state of being disapproved
frowned in disapproval
2
: unfavorable opinion or judgment : criticism
the plan met with disapproval
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