disapprove

verb dis·ap·prove \ -ˈprüv \

Definition of disapprove

transitive verb

1 :to pass unfavorable judgment on

2 :to refuse approval to :reject

intransitive verb

:to feel or express disapproval

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disapprover

noun

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disapprovingly

play \-ˈprü-viŋ-lē\ adverb

See disapprove defined for English-language learners

See disapprove defined for kids

Examples of disapprove in a Sentence

She married him even though her parents disapproved.
The treaty was disapproved by the Senate.

Recent Examples of disapprove from the Web

Vetter Brothers Filmworks A hopeless romantic (Wesley Elder) is paid to break up a girl’s relationship by her disapproving parents.

— jon niccum, kansascity, "Thanks, Netflix: Here’s where to find acclaimed movies shot by KC filmmakers," 3 Aug. 2017
Sarah Paulson and Victor Garber also appear in the film as Salinger's agent and his disapproving father.

— caroline hallemann, Town & Country, "Catcher in the Rye," 24 July 2017
When his personal correspondence was leaked, Comer was outed as gay to his grandparents, who disapprove of homosexuality, and to the rest of the world.

— brian beutler, New Republic, "Why Trump Loyalists Should Care About the Russia Scandal," 18 July 2017
Trump’s handling of the economy also isn’t a disaster: 43 percent approve of it compared to 41 percent who disapprove and 16 percent who are unsure.

— benjamin hart, Daily Intelligencer, "Poll: Trump Historically Unpopular at Presidency’s Six-Month Mark," 16 July 2017
Even Varys, the Master of Whispers himself, disapproves.

— james hibberd, PEOPLE.com, "‘Game of Thrones’ Cast Slams Online Plot Leaks: ‘I Get So Angry’," 16 July 2017
And the mental gymnastics of that position—performing everything but the ceremony, telegraphing approval while formally disapproving—is exactly what led some rabbis to embrace intermarriage.

— emma green, The Atlantic, "‘We’re Headed Toward One of the Greatest Divisions in the History of the Jewish People’," 16 July 2017
Most Americans disapprove of the president—but most of them disapprove of the press as well.

— david a. graham, The Atlantic, "Why the Media's Defense Against Trump Has Proven So Ineffective," 3 July 2017
Eighty-one percent of New Jersey voters disapproved of the job Christie was doing.

— chris cillizza, CNN, "Chris Christie's sunbathing pics clinch it: He's stopped caring," 3 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'disapprove.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of disapprove

1614

disapprove Synonyms

Synonyms

decline, disallow, deny, negative, nix, refuse, reject, reprobate, withhold

Antonyms

allow, concede, grant, let, OK (or okay), permit

Related Words

ban, enjoin, forbid, prohibit, proscribe, veto; rebuff, repel, spurn; check, constrain, curb, hold, keep, repress, restrain, restrict; balk (at), hinder, impede, obstruct

Near Antonyms

afford, furnish, give, provide, supply; authorize, commission, license (also licence); accede (to), acquiesce, agree (to), assent (to), consent (to), warrant; accord, sanction, vouchsafe

DISAPPROVE Defined for English Language Learners

disapprove

verb

Definition of disapprove for English Language Learners

: to believe that someone or something is bad or wrong : to not approve of someone or something
: to officially refuse to approve or accept (something)