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

• decline
• deny
• disallow
• negative
• nix
• refuse
• reject
• reprobate
• withhold

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

In Maryland, 26 percent of people approve of Trump and 70 percent of people disapprove of him. —Kate Plummer, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 June 2025

In a March Quinnipiac survey, 49% disapproved of Kennedy’s performance, while 38% approved, marking a 4-point shift. —Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 12 June 2025

Majorities of Californians disapprove of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s performance, with a 54% disapproval rating. —Kate Wolffe, Sacbee.com, 12 June 2025

More respondents disapproved of the major tax and domestic policy legislation under consideration in the Senate at 53% to 27%, with 20% not providing an opinion, Quinnipiac found. —Kinsey Crowley, USA Today, 12 June 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