REFUSAL Synonyms: 44 Similar and Opposite Words

refusal

noun

ri-ˈfyü-zəl

Definition of refusal

as in rejection

an unwillingness to grant something asked for his flat refusal of our reasonable request was rather startling

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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 The story follows Masterji, a retired schoolteacher whose refusal to go along with those around him places him in direct conflict with his own community. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 27 Aug. 2026 The department then threatened legal action against the district, saying its refusal to sign amounted to non-compliance with FERPA. — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 27 Aug. 2026 Goodbye, Ramona, such a vivid and sweeping story of Catalan refusal to comply with this oppression, is a testament to how a language, just like the desire to be free or to love or to learn, simply cannot be contained. — Literary Hub, 26 Aug. 2026 Enquiries around Kenan Yildiz have been met by Juventus with a firm refusal. — Andy Naylor, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for refusal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for refusal

Noun

But there’s also a subtle rejection of the earnest wokeness of years past.

— Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 27 Aug. 2026
But her part ultimately was cut from the film, which Hart said in a 2011 interview with SheKnows helped teach her about rejection.

— Virginia Chamlee, PEOPLE, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of rejection

Noun

Entry denials have risen sharply over the past year and for reasons that did not constitute grounds for denial previously, including suspicions of anti-Israel views, say Israeli lawyers who represent travelers who were denied entry.

— Daniel Estrin, NPR, 2 Sep. 2026
Read more from Liz on the details of the ADA’s denials and how those involved have reacted.

— Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of denial

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refurnishing

refusal

refusals

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“Refusal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refusal. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of refusal

noun

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