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 a March 24 Reuters poll, 35% of Americans approve of the strikes on Iran versus 61% who disapprove. —Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2026

Another 24% of participants cited poor leadership, dishonesty and personal dislikes as their reason for disapproving. —Jt Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 1 Apr. 2026

While opposition to Iran’s government is widespread, the JEl poll finds that most Jewish voters disapprove of both the method and scope of the war that was launched on February 28. —Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026

The poll found 62% disapproved. —Los Angeles Times, 29 Mar. 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