disapprove

verb

dis·​ap·​prove ˌdis-ə-ˈprüv How to pronounce disapprove (audio)
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 adverb

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Polls show that Americans largely disapprove of Trump’s bill, signaling that Republicans in swing districts who voted in favor of the measure could face backlash from wary voters in future elections. Nik Popli, Time, 3 July 2025 Newsweek's tracker puts Trump's approval rating at 45 percent, with 50 percent disapproving, giving him a net approval of -5 points. Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 July 2025 An April 2019 poll by Monmouth University, for instance, found that just 34% of Americans approved of the law, while 43% disapproved. Joseph Thorndike, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025 Natalia was introduced to viewers as Blaze's (Jacqueline Grace Lopez) mom, who disapproved of her relationship with Kristina Corinthos-Davis (Kate Mansi). Carson Blackwelder, People.com, 30 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for disapprove

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1562, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of disapprove was circa 1562

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Cite this Entry

“Disapprove.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disapprove. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

disapprove

verb
dis·​ap·​prove ˌdis-ə-ˈprüv How to pronounce disapprove (audio)
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 adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on disapprove

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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