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

Nearly 8 in 10 Republicans approve while nearly 9 in 10 Democrats disapprove. —Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 19 May 2025

Other findings The latest survey also found that a majority of respondents, 56%, disapprove of the job Trump has done so far, while 40% approve. —Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 15 May 2025

Most Americans disapprove of Trump’s treatment of colleges, a new poll finds Health Too busy to get fit? —South Florida Sun Sentinel, Sun Sentinel, 12 May 2025

At the same time, a Washington Post/ABC News/Ipsos poll out at the end of April showed that 64 percent of Americans polled disapproved of Trump’s plan to raise import taxes while 34 percent approved. —Amie Parnes, The Hill, 10 May 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