disapprove

verb

dis·​ap·​prove ˌdis-ə-ˈprüv 

disapproved; disapproving; disapproves

transitive verb

1

: to pass unfavorable judgment on

2

: to refuse approval to : reject

intransitive verb

: to feel or express disapproval

disapprover noun

disapprovingly

ˌdis-ə-ˈprü-viŋ-lē 

adverb

Synonyms

• decline
• deny
• disallow
• negative
• nix
• refuse
• reject
• reprobate
• withhold

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

In January, when Trump embarked on his second term in the White House, 55.5 percent approved while 37.4 percent disapproved for a +18 net favorability rating. —Kate Plummer, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025

While Trump’s standing is hardly a surprise in California, where the president lost three presidential elections overwhelmingly, voters also disapproved by big majorities his key policies and methods. —David Lightman, Sacbee.com, 6 May 2025

According to the Morning Consult survey, voters are not happy with Trump’s tariff policies, and are more likely to disapprove than approve by a 7-point margin. —Matthew Medsger, Boston Herald, 6 May 2025

Many disapproved of his association with Trump or his criminal corruption case. —Ross O'Keefe, The Washington Examiner, 2 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1562, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for disapprove

• approve
• disprove
• improve
• remove
• reprove
• groove
• move
• prove

Kids Definition

disapprove

verb

dis·​ap·​prove ˌdis-ə-ˈprüv 

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

-ˈprü-viŋ-lē 

adverb