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.
Colson was not the only person with very close ties to Cunningham who didn't exactly disapprove of the play. — Mark Harris Outkick, FOXNews.com, 9 Aug. 2026 Bryan Wenter, a land use lawyer from HSW, LLP, asserted that the project cannot be lawfully disapproved. — Nollyanne Delacruz, Mercury News, 5 Aug. 2026 Now look, there is nothing wrong with opposing the Ellisons or disapproving of changes over this past year at CBS News. — Chris Wallace, HollywoodReporter, 5 Aug. 2026 According to Gallup polling, 55 percent of Americans disapproved of the military operations in the fall of 2024, and 60 percent disapproved a year later. — Dafna H. Rand, Foreign Affairs, 4 Aug. 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
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Cite this Entry

“Disapprove.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disapprove. Accessed 13 Aug. 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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