Veto vs. disapprove: what’s the difference?

Reviewed and edited by Anwar Kareem, English.me team · 2 November 2024

The short answer

Veto specifically refers to the power to unilaterally stop an official action, particularly in a legislative context, while disapprove generally means expressing an unfavorable opinion or refusal, without the power to unilaterally stop the action.

What they have in common

Both veto and disapprove imply rejection or non-acceptance of a proposal or decision.

Examples

veto

The president decided to veto the new bill passed by Congress.
Using his veto power, the mayor stopped the proposed city ordinance.
The governor has threatened to veto any legislation that increases taxes.

disapprove

I disapprove of the way they handled the situation.
She disapproves of her daughter’s choice of career.
Many citizens disapprove of the new policy.

Which one is more common?

Internet search results for “veto” and “disapprove”

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