Synonyms

disapprove

American

[dis-uh-proov] / ˌdɪs əˈpruv /

verb (used with object)

disapproved, disapproving

to think (something) wrong or reprehensible; censure or condemn in opinion.

Synonyms:

criticize, decry, deplore

Antonyms:

praise
to withhold approval from; decline to sanction.

The Senate disapproved the nominations.

verb (used without object)

disapproved, disapproving

to have an unfavorable opinion; express disapproval (usually followed byof ).

disapprove British

/ ˌdɪsəˈpruːv /

verb

to consider wrong, bad, etc
(tr) to withhold approval from

"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

disapprover noun
disapproving adjective
disapprovingly adverb
postdisapproved adjective

Etymology

Origin of disapprove

First recorded in 1475–85; dis- ¹ + approve

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.

The poll found 59% of statewide registered voters approve and 37% disapprove.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 20, 2026

Direct military assistance would also be deeply unpopular among the Japanese people, with a recent poll by newspaper The Asahi Shimbun showing 82% of voters disapprove of the war.

From BBC • Mar. 19, 2026

About 25% of those polled said they approve of the job Bass is doing as mayor, while about 47% disapprove.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 11, 2026

More than 60% of Americans disapprove of the tariffs.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 26, 2026

“No, my dear. I really disapprove of you dealing with the servants. It’s not wise in your condition, you know.”

From "Copper Sun" by Sharon M. Draper

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