Synonyms of disapprove

disapprove 1 of 2

verb (1)

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
• okay
• concede
• allow
• grant
• provide
• afford
• OK
• authorize
• give
• furnish
• supply
• agree (to)
• license
• acquiesce
• commission
• warrant
• consent (to)
• accede (to)
• sanction
• assent (to)
• accord
• licence
• 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
• dismiss
• spurn
• 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
• foreswear
• 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

disapprove (of)

2 of 2

verb (2)

as in to dislike

to hold an unfavorable opinion of

my sister disapproves of my smoking

Synonyms & Similar Words

• dislike
• frown (on or upon)
• criticize
• reject
• disesteem
• mislike
• tut (over or about)
• deprecate
• denounce
• look down one's nose (on)
• condemn
• discountenance
• tut-tut (over or about)
• disfavor
• reprove
• object (to)
• discommend
• tsk-tsk
• disrelish
• pooh
• pooh-pooh
• scold
• scorn
• reprehend
• reprobate
• censure
• chide
• rebuke
• reproach

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• approve
• like
• favor
• support
• endorse
• enjoy
• sanction
• indorse
• delight (in)
• love
• relish
• fancy
• dig
• adore
• revel (in)
• groove (on)

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of disapprove

Verb

His efforts to reach a nuclear agreement with Iran were unilaterally disrupted by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who initiated an attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities and terminated Trump’s negotiations, which Netanyahu disapproved of. —Tom Zirpoli, Baltimore Sun, 17 June 2025

Independents were more split, with 55% disapproving and 36% approving. —Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 12 June 2025

In Maryland, 26 percent of people approve of Trump and 70 percent of people disapprove of him. —Kate Plummer, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 June 2025

In a March Quinnipiac survey, 49% disapproved of Kennedy’s performance, while 38% approved, marking a 4-point shift. —Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 12 June 2025

Phrases Containing disapprove

• disapprove (of)