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

Sixty-one percent of Americans and 23% of Republicans disapprove of his handling of the economy, up from 58% and 17% in March, respectively. —Sara Dorn, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026

The poll, released June 18, showed that about 60% of Americans disapproved of how Trump has handled the economy, while 33% of Americans approved of the president's economic performance. —Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 18 June 2026

Outsiders may disapprove, but that’s their problem to solve. —Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 18 June 2026

In lay terms, that means the court's ruling is not based on whether the judge approves or disapproves of what Comb's is accused of. —ABC News, 15 June 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