Synonyms of disapprove

disapprove

verb

ˌdis-ə-ˈprüv 

1

as in to reject

to be unwilling to grant

the committee disapproved the proposal to allow casino gambling in the state

Synonyms & Similar Words

• reject
• deny
• refuse
• decline
• withhold
• disallow
• negative
• forbid
• prohibit
• veto
• restrict
• reprobate
• nix
• ban
• enjoin
• restrain
• proscribe
• keep
• spurn
• repel
• curb
• hinder
• constrain
• impede
• check
• repress
• obstruct
• rebuff
• hold
• balk (at)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• permit
• let
• allow
• grant
• concede
• provide
• afford
• authorize
• OK
• give
• furnish
• supply
• agree (to)
• license
• warrant
• consent (to)
• acquiesce
• sanction
• commission
• accord
• accede (to)
• assent (to)
• vouchsafe

2

as in to refuse

to show unwillingness to accept, do, engage in, or agree to

disapproved the first set of blueprints submitted by the firm

Synonyms & Similar Words

• reject
• refuse
• decline
• deny
• ignore
• spurn
• dismiss
• avoid
• repudiate
• pass
• withdraw
• forbid
• dispute
• veto
• balk (at)
• pass up
• negative
• turn down
• deselect
• throw over
• reprobate
• nix
• throw out
• prohibit
• disdain
• proscribe
• overrule
• renounce
• disavow
• scorn
• rebuff
• forbear
• revoke
• turn one's back on
• disclaim
• abstain (from)
• disown
• blow off
• refrain (from)
• gainsay
• contradict
• scout
• retract
• refute
• forswear
• shoot down
• recall
• abjure
• disprove
• take back
• negate
• controvert
• stick
• disallow
• disagree (with)
• recant
• unsay
• rebut
• bypass
• renege
• back down
• detour
• back off
• backtrack

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• approve
• accept
• agree (to)
• tolerate
• adopt
• condone
• receive
• take
• swallow
• agree
• embrace
• welcome
• acquiesce
• choose
• consent
• countenance
• select
• assent
• accede
• support
• espouse
• handpick

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of disapprove

Leeper was among the station’s DJs whose R&B and rock ’n’ roll playlists drew both Black and white teenagers, even as many adults disapproved of the music. — Chase Jordan october 20, Charlotte Observer, 20 Oct. 2026

Austen herself, with her aversion to sentimentality, would have disapproved. — Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 16 Oct. 2026

The president’s poll numbers have been below water across the board, but especially so on foreign policy, where over two-thirds of Americans disapprove of his job performance and support Kyiv’s fight for freedom. — Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026

With shame, this feeling is social, connected to the fear of someone else’s disapproving gaze. — Robert A. Ballingall, The Conversation, 13 Oct. 2026

Phrases Containing disapprove

• disapprove (of)