refusal

noun

ri-ˈfyü-zəl How to pronounce refusal (audio)
Definition of refusalnext
as in rejection
an unwillingness to grant something asked for his flat refusal of our reasonable request was rather startling

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of refusal Still, her father’s dinner does not erase his refusal to recognize her gender; his refusal does not make the dinner or hospital bill imaginary. — Literary Hub, 9 Oct. 2026 Her attorneys claim Trump’s attempt to oust her was based on her refusal to lower rates. — ABC News, 9 Oct. 2026 Wilson, for instance, is critical of Carson’s refusal to tilt her translation in a way that acknowledges the important role that Sappho’s gender and sexuality have played in her reception over time. — Amy Cannon, The Conversation, 9 Oct. 2026 Unsurprisingly, Mihai and Lisbet begin to wonder whether they are being tried for child abuse or for their refusal to assimilate the progressive, secular-humanist values of their new home country—in other words, for their Christianity. — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for refusal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for refusal
  1. rejection
  2. denial
Noun
  • When a property manager rejected a recommended rent, the adviser reviewed the rejection and the justification.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 Oct. 2026
  • If judgment is causing premature rejection of an employee’s approach, the manager can ask what evidence actually supports that judgment.
    — Thomas Lim, Forbes.com, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of rejection
Noun
  • But anyone who, in september, did not believe this D Corp was highly vulnerable, was in very deep denial.
    — James Mirtle, New York Times, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Roy, who has been part of negotiations since 2014, said he’s never seen denials like that before.
    — Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of denial

Browse Nearby Words

refurnishing
refusal
refusals
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Cite this Entry

“Refusal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refusal. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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