disapprove

verb

dis·​ap·​prove ˌdis-ə-ˈprüv How to pronounce disapprove (audio)
disapproved; disapproving; disapproves
Synonyms of disapprovenext

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 How to pronounce disapprove (audio)
adverb

Synonyms of disapprove

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Outsiders may disapprove, but that’s their problem to solve. — Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 18 June 2026 In lay terms, that means the court's ruling is not based on whether the judge approves or disapproves of what Comb's is accused of. — ABC News, 15 June 2026 Voters disapprove of his performance on issue after issue, from the economy to immigration to Iran. — Ramesh Ponnuru, Washington Post, 29 June 2026 And the majority – 62% — strongly disapproved. — Haley Parsley june 12, Sacbee.com, 12 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for disapprove

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1562, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of disapprove was circa 1562

Rhymes for disapprove

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Browse Nearby Words

disapproval
disapprove
disapprovingly
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Disapprove.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disapprove. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

disapprove

verb
dis·​ap·​prove ˌdis-ə-ˈprüv How to pronounce disapprove (audio)
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 How to pronounce disapprove (audio)
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on disapprove

Nglish: Translation of disapprove for Spanish Speakers

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