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Synonyms

disapprove

American  
[dis-uh-proov] / ˌdɪs əˈpruv /

verb (used with object)

disapproved, disapproving
  1. to think (something) wrong or reprehensible; censure or condemn in opinion.

    Synonyms:
    criticize, decry, deplore
    Antonyms:
    praise
  2. to withhold approval from; decline to sanction.

    The Senate disapproved the nominations.


verb (used without object)

disapproved, disapproving
  1. to have an unfavorable opinion; express disapproval (usually followed byof ).

disapprove British  
/ ˌdɪsəˈpruːv /

verb

  1. to consider wrong, bad, etc

  2. (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.

When questioned, he claimed to be a US official before leaving to disapproving looks from locals, according to an AFP journalist at the scene.

From Barron's

The disapproving way she’s looking at me sets off alarm bells.

From Literature

In a CBS survey taken before the weekend's shooting, 61% of respondents said that ICE is being "too tough when stopping and detaining people", while 58% disapproved of his handling of immigration as a whole.

From BBC

In a poll conducted this month by the New York Times and Siena University, 58% of respondents said they disapprove of the way the president is handling the economy.

From Los Angeles Times

She says the other mothers scoffed at her parenting choices - she bottle-feeds her son - and seemed to disapprove of her choosing to deliver her baby by caesarean section.

From BBC