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 late January and early February, his approval rating stood at 47 percent, with 51 percent disapproving. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025

Indeed, in his own party, 25% of Republicans disapprove of Trump's handling of tariffs, as do 30% of conservatives. —Ishai Melamede, ABC News, 25 Apr. 2025

The other, posted to Instagram, reportedly showed a trans high school athlete (a minor) winning a track and field event, along with disapproving shouts from onlookers, per the decision. —Samantha Riedel, Them., 24 Apr. 2025

Most Democrats, two-thirds of Independents, and nearly 1 in 5 Republicans disapprove. —Victoria Balara, FOXNews.com, 24 Apr. 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