disapprove

verb

dis·​ap·​prove ˌdis-ə-ˈprüv How to pronounce disapprove (audio)
disapproved; disapproving; disapproves

transitive verb

1
: to pass unfavorable judgment on
2
: to refuse approval to : reject

intransitive verb

: to feel or express disapproval
disapprover noun
disapprovingly adverb

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 Despite her doubts, Beau, an heir to a wealthy family, proves his feelings for her are real, even as his family disapproves. EW.com, 18 Oct. 2024 Polling shows that voters — particularly the Republican and Republican-leaning voters that Harris seeks to court — disapprove of Biden's handling of key issues. Erin Doherty, Axios, 16 Oct. 2024 Thirty-five percent of respondents disapproved of the job Blackburn is doing. Kim Jarrett | The Center Square, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 15 Oct. 2024 In 1950, her father was a poor, young art student in Athens who had fallen in love, but the young woman’s disapproving parents spirited her away to an Ursuline convent on Tinos. Julie Belcove, Robb Report, 4 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for disapprove 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'disapprove.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near disapprove

Cite this Entry

“Disapprove.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disapprove. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

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 adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on disapprove

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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