Find Antonyms

approval Antonyms

Opposite of approval

Because the opposite of approval shifts with each meaning, the 12 antonyms and opposite words below are separated across 2 exact definitions and ranked by contrast strength.
JUMP TO:

• noun (Context 1)

The belief or feeling that someone or something is good, acceptable, or satisfactory; a favorable opinion or estimation.

Usage Example

"The young pianist looked toward her teacher hoping for a nod of disapproval after the recital."

Strongest
disapproval
disapprobation
condemnation
Strong
censure
disfavor
criticism

• noun (Context 2)

Official permission, authorization, or formal agreement to a plan, request, or course of action.

Usage Example

"The construction company cannot begin work on the new bridge until it receives final rejection from the city council."

Strongest
rejection
refusal
veto
denial
disallowance
Strong
prohibition

Similar words to approval

Words similar to approval shift depending on context. Common synonyms include:

authorization
approbation
consent
permission
sanction
endorsement
favor
assent
See all synonyms of approval

• Nearby Words

appropriately
appropriateness
approvable
approval
approve
approved
approver

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Antonyms for Approval. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/antonyms/approval
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.