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

Public polling has been showing that Musk's DOGE effort is unpopular, with voters disapproving of Musk more so than Trump. —Bobby Allyn, NPR, 20 May 2025

In addition, 74% of respondents disapprove of the job Trump is doing as president, while 26% approve. —Grace Gilson, Sun Sentinel, 20 May 2025

This week’s Reuters poll showed him 8 points underwater rather than 11, with 52 percent of Americans disapproving of his job performance and 44 percent approving. —Niall Stanage, The Hill, 16 May 2025

Nearly 8 in 10 Republicans approve while nearly 9 in 10 Democrats disapprove. —Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 19 May 2025

Phrases Containing disapprove

• disapprove (of)