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

But approval falls to 49% among non-MAGA Republicans, 50% of whom disapprove. — ABC News, 21 Oct. 2026

Voters in the poll disapproved of his handling of the cost of living by 69% to 29% and gas prices by 73% to 24%. — Luke Fountain, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2026

Leeper was among the station’s DJs whose R&B and rock ’n’ roll playlists drew both Black and white teenagers, even as many adults disapproved of the music. — Chase Jordan october 20, Charlotte Observer, 20 Oct. 2026

Austen herself, with her aversion to sentimentality, would have disapproved. — Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 16 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