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.
Recent polls suggest that a majority of Americans disapprove of the U.S. bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities, though reactions are split along party lines. Danielle Chemtob, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025 The survey found 56% of respondents disapprove of the U.S. strike on Iran on Saturday, June 21, in which American warplanes dropped over a dozen bombs on three Iranian nuclear sites a little over a week after Israel launched a surprise air attack on Tehran. Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 24 June 2025 Congress then had a certain amount of time to either approve or disapprove of the plan, and that determined whether the president's plan could go into effect. Sophie Clark, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025 On his handling of inflation, 64 percent of respondents disapproved. Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 20 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 30 Jun. 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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