disapproval
noun
dis·ap·prov·al
ˌdis-ə-ˈprü-vəl 
plural disapprovals
: the act or fact of disapproving : the opinion that someone or something is bad, wrong, etc. or the expressing of such an opinion
Although she said nothing, her disapproval was obvious.
Their plan was met with strong/widespread disapproval. [=criticism]
Research shows that public disapproval of sitting presidents tends to rise along with the cost of a fill-up.—
Cathy Biank
Cathy Biank… their precious romance may not survive his family's disapproval.—Pamela Hutchinson
Pamela HutchinsonCaroline's refusal to conform to convention earned her widespread disapproval …—Adam Sisman
Adam SismanFans of the hit franchise were quick to express their disapproval of the decision in the comments.—Alex Graf
Alex GrafOn the market floor, several attendees wore badges or pins showing their disapproval for the legislation.—Jennifer Bringle
Jennifer BringleSynonyms
Examples of disapproval in a Sentence
I could sense her disapproval.
They made their disapproval of our behavior very clear.
Recent Examples on the Web
Her decision to leave stemmed from her fear of her uncles’ disapproval of her relationship with a much older man.
—Isabella Wandermurem, TIME, 31 Jan. 2025
Graham’s comments echoed lawmakers from both sides of the aisle who expressed their own disapproval of the mass clemency for the Jan. 6 rioters.
—Jenny Goldsberry, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 26 Jan. 2025
Over time, these experiences cause the brain to become hyper-aware of any signs of disapproval, interpreting neutral or ambiguous situations as personal rejection.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025
For newcomers to the Beatles, the story — especially the way Epstein lived in fear of society’s (and his family)’s disapproval over his gay lifestyle — will surely be eye-opening given these every different and more enlightened times.
—David Browne, Rolling Stone, 22 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for disapproval 
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Isabella Wandermurem, TIME, 31 Jan. 2025
Graham’s comments echoed lawmakers from both sides of the aisle who expressed their own disapproval of the mass clemency for the Jan. 6 rioters.
—Jenny Goldsberry, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 26 Jan. 2025
Over time, these experiences cause the brain to become hyper-aware of any signs of disapproval, interpreting neutral or ambiguous situations as personal rejection.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025
For newcomers to the Beatles, the story — especially the way Epstein lived in fear of society’s (and his family)’s disapproval over his gay lifestyle — will surely be eye-opening given these every different and more enlightened times.
—David Browne, Rolling Stone, 22 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for disapproval
Dictionary Entries Near disapproval
Cite this Entry
“Disapproval.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disapproval. Accessed 3 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
disapproval
noun
dis·ap·prov·al
ˌdis-ə-ˈprü-vəl
1
: the act of disapproving : the state of being disapproved
frowned in disapproval
2
: unfavorable opinion or judgment : criticism
the plan met with disapproval
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