Useful opposites to “Approve” include “Disapprove”, “Reject”, “Deny”, along with 9 other options below. Because “Approve” may have more than one sense, the most accurate antonym is the one that reverses the meaning intended in the sentence.
Which Antonym for “Approve” Fits Best?
Approve means to accept, authorize, support, or regard favourably. The quick list gives all 12 choices first; the notes below explain what each term contributes.
- Disapprove
- Reject
- Deny
- Refuse
- Oppose
- Object to
- Veto
- Condemn
- Criticize
- Withhold approval
- Decline
- Disallow
Disapprove
“Disapprove” is the direct opposite when someone judges something unfavourably. In that sense, it provides a clear counterpoint to “Approve” without implying that it is the opposite in every possible use.
Example: In the “Approve” entry, the final draft used “Disapprove” after the writer checked that this was the intended sense.
Reject
“Reject” means refusing to accept a proposal, request, or submission. In that sense, it provides a clear counterpoint to “Approve” without implying that it is the opposite in every possible use.
Example: For the “Approve” comparison, the editor selected “Reject” because the surrounding sentence supported that specific meaning.
Deny
“Deny” can mean withholding authorization or acceptance. In that sense, it provides a clear counterpoint to “Approve” without implying that it is the opposite in every possible use.
Example: In the “Approve” guide, “Deny” was retained because it matched the context precisely.
Refuse
“Refuse” means declining to agree or comply. In that sense, it provides a clear counterpoint to “Approve” without implying that it is the opposite in every possible use.
Example: While revising the “Approve” example, the writer chose “Refuse” once the tone and meaning of the sentence were clear.
Oppose
“Oppose” describes active disagreement with an idea, policy, or plan. In that sense, it provides a clear counterpoint to “Approve” without implying that it is the opposite in every possible use.
Example: In the “Approve” entry, the final draft used “Oppose” after the writer checked that this was the intended sense.
Object to
“Object to” signals a stated objection to what is proposed. In that sense, it provides a clear counterpoint to “Approve” without implying that it is the opposite in every possible use.
Example: For the “Approve” comparison, the editor selected “Object to” because the surrounding sentence supported that specific meaning.
Veto
“Veto” means formally blocking a decision or proposal. In that sense, it provides a clear counterpoint to “Approve” without implying that it is the opposite in every possible use.
Example: In the “Approve” guide, “Veto” was retained because it matched the context precisely.
Condemn
“Condemn” expresses strong moral or evaluative rejection. In that sense, it provides a clear counterpoint to “Approve” without implying that it is the opposite in every possible use.
Example: While revising the “Approve” example, the writer chose “Condemn” once the tone and meaning of the sentence were clear.
Criticize
“Criticize” focuses on identifying faults rather than expressing support. In that sense, it provides a clear counterpoint to “Approve” without implying that it is the opposite in every possible use.
Example: In the “Approve” entry, the final draft used “Criticize” after the writer checked that this was the intended sense.
Withhold approval
“Withhold approval” means deliberately not giving the required approval. In that sense, it provides a clear counterpoint to “Approve” without implying that it is the opposite in every possible use.
Example: For the “Approve” comparison, the editor selected “Withhold approval” because the surrounding sentence supported that specific meaning.
Decline
“Decline” is a neutral verb for choosing not to accept a request. In that sense, it provides a clear counterpoint to “Approve” without implying that it is the opposite in every possible use.
Example: In the “Approve” guide, “Decline” was retained because it matched the context precisely.
Disallow
“Disallow” means officially not permitting something. In that sense, it provides a clear counterpoint to “Approve” without implying that it is the opposite in every possible use.
Example: While revising the “Approve” example, the writer chose “Disallow” once the tone and meaning of the sentence were clear.
Choosing the Right Antonym for “Approve”
An antonym only works when it reverses the relevant sense of “Approve”. Identify that sense first, then choose the term that opposes the same quality, action, or state.