diff --git a/meson.build b/meson.build
index 0cf3b10..6832e32 100644
--- a/meson.build
+++ b/meson.build
@@ -106,6 +106,9 @@ test_c_args = [
   '-DGLIB_VERSION_MAX_ALLOWED=GLIB_VERSION_2_70',
   # see https://gitlab.gnome.org/GNOME/evolution-data-server/-/issues/332
   '-DEDS_DISABLE_DEPRECATED',
+  # in preparation for the switch to Gtk4 we should make sure not to use deprecated symbols
+  '-DGDK_DISABLE_DEPRECATED',
+  '-DGTK_DISABLE_DEPRECATED',
 ]
 
 if get_option('buildtype') != 'plain'