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

The poll found more than 72% of whites, Blacks and Latinos strongly disapproved of ICE and CBP tactics, as did 70% of residents citywide, 92% of Democrats, 68% of independents and 62% of those with a household member who works in public safety. —Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026

Pluralities disapprove of Healey’s handling of taxes (41%) and roads and bridges (41%). —Tim Dunn, Boston Herald, 24 Apr. 2026

Sixty percent of respondents in CNBC's All-America Economic Survey, released Thursday for the first quarter of 2026 disapproved of his handling of the economy. —Justin Papp, CNBC, 23 Apr. 2026

But parents and attendees quickly disapproved of that idea. —Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Apr. 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