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disapprove

verb

dis·​ap·​prove ˌdis-ə-ˈprüv How to pronounce disapprove (audio)
disapproved; disapproving; disapproves
Synonyms of disapprovenext

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.
However, he is heartened by research that shows most Americans strongly disapprove of the current state of affairs. John T. Shaw, Mercury News, 4 Dec. 2025 Approval ratings of the president were at -3 percentage points, with 44 percent of respondents approving and 47 percent disapproving, based on I&I/TIPP polling. Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2025 But his needy, overbearing, hypochondriacal mother, Rebecca (Fran Drescher), disapproves of him bailing on a steady retail job to pursue a fakakte dream of sports stardom in a sport nobody cares about. David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 1 Dec. 2025 Her natural grace promises to elevate her in the district dance competitions—but these efforts distract her from seeing the growing resentments of local merchants who disapprove of her family’s business strategies. Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 30 Nov. 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 8 Dec. 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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