disapprobation

noun

: the act or state of disapproving : the state of being disapproved : condemnation

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Disapprobation is not only a synonym of disapproval but a relative as well. Both words were coined in the 17th century by adding the prefix dis-, meaning "the opposite or absence of," to existing "approving" words: synonyms approbation and approval. The ultimate source of the foursome is the Latin verb approbare, meaning "to approve." Another descendant of approbare is approbate, which means "to express approval of formally or legally." Love it or lump it, approbare has proven itself useful.

Examples of disapprobation in a Sentence

the constant disapprobation of critics there was widespread disapprobation of the plan to combine the two school districts
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.
The lions roared, and disapprobation was their message. Laura Washington, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2025 These cases involved monumental pieces of wrongdoing, yet the Justice Department and the federal courts allowed the New York chump-change cases against Trump—built on far smaller frauds—to get all the attention—and ultimately—the disapprobation. Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 27 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1625, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of disapprobation was in 1625

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Cite this Entry

“Disapprobation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disapprobation. Accessed 13 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

disapprobation

noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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