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

According to Gallup polling, 55 percent of Americans disapproved of the military operations in the fall of 2024, and 60 percent disapproved a year later. — Dafna H. Rand, Foreign Affairs, 4 Aug. 2026

More Americans disapprove than approve of the way ICE is enforcing immigration laws. — Amelia Thomson-Deveaux, Fortune, 2 Aug. 2026

Parliament and the Church of England disapproved of the King marrying a divorcée, but when push came to shove, Edward chose love, handing the throne to his younger brother, King George. — Diana Pearl, PEOPLE, 31 July 2026

At the same time, the survey showed nearly six in 10 voters disapproved of the job the city council is currently doing overall. — Dj Simmons, Charlotte Observer, 30 July 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