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Synonyms

disapproval

American  
[dis-uh-proo-vuhl] / ˌdɪs əˈpru vəl /

noun

  1. the act or state of disapproving; a condemnatory feeling, look, or utterance; censure.

    stern disapproval.
    Synonyms:
    condemnation, dislike, disapprobation
disapproval British  
/ ˌdɪsəˈpruːvəl /

noun

  1. the act or a state or feeling of disapproving; censure; condemnation

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • self-disapproval noun

Etymology

Origin of disapproval

First recorded in 1655–65; dis- 1 + approval

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

However, Jeffries’ disapproval did not deter seven Democratic representatives from supporting the bill.

From Salon • Jan. 22, 2026

The president has made no secret of his disapproval of Powell, criticizing him repeatedly for not supporting more aggressive interest rate cuts.

From Barron's • Jan. 16, 2026

The senators, he wrote, “concluded that disapproval of a judge’s decisions provided an invalid basis for removal from office.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 31, 2025

It shows that this institution can recover from disapproval.

From BBC • Nov. 30, 2025

Before you tut your disapproval, it turned out it wasn’t a real date.

From "Code Name Kingfisher" by Liz Kessler

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.