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.
Oregon head coach Dan Lanning, whose team could be in a position to benefit from the latest ruling, not only disapproves of the new development, but also listed the many reasons as to why. — Mark Harris Outkick, FOXNews.com, 23 Aug. 2026 By a wide margin, Americans disapproved of the June 14 fight on the White House lawn, according to polls. — Patrik Jonsson, Christian Science Monitor, 21 Aug. 2026 The two states that disapprove of the president's job the most are Maryland and Vermont, both at -50. — Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026 Although Christians often disapproved of Hoodoo, for many African Americans its practice has served as a particular, local, and lived expression of Christianity rather than something antithetical to it. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 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

See All Rhymes for disapprove

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 1 Sep. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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