REFUSENIK Synonyms: 42 Similar and Opposite Words

refusenik

noun

variants also refusnik

Definition of refusenik

as in refuser

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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 refusenik Even Vanguard, the last refusenik, reversed itself in December to allow third-party crypto ETFs and is now hiring a digital-assets head. — Zennon Kapron, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026 This, too, meshes with the politics of the time, given the lure that Canada had for those fleeing the draft, and the dangers faced by refuseniks who stayed behind. — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 15 Oct. 2025 Instead, Elam became a refusenik, as conscientious objectors are called in Israel, over his disapproval of the Israel-Hamas war. — Jade Walker, CNN, 25 Mar. 2025 When the Soviet Union lifted its ban on the Jewish refusenik emigration in 1971, my family saw their opportunity to start over in America. — Washington Post, 3 Mar. 2022 Can the host forbid entry or try to make a refusenik toe the line? — Matt Zoller Seitz, Vulture, 1 Dec. 2021 Natan Sharansky has been a computer scientist, a chess player, a refusenik, a dissident, a political prisoner, a party leader, a government minister, a nonprofit executive, and a bestselling author. — Matthew Continetti, National Review, 28 Nov. 2020

Recent Examples of Synonyms for refusenik

Noun

The uniform of the conformist — sports shirt, cardigan, tennis shoes — is as easily recognized as that of the recusant — dirty white T, sideburns, two days’ growth of beard.

— Chris Jones, chicagotribune.com, 15 July 2019

Definition of recusant

Noun

Wednesday’s letter marks an escalation, with a rare and public discontent from influential Sikh leaders just weeks before Matsui’s November congressional contest against Sacramento Councilmember Mai Vang.

— Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 16 Oct. 2026
Florida hasn't elected a Democratic governor in this century, but Jolly thinks discontent with the GOP could give him an opening.

— Cristian Benavides, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of discontent

Noun

The latest conflict between the Saudis and the Houthis began last month after the rebels seized key areas along the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a critical waterway for oil shipments.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Oct. 2026
The latest conflict between the Saudis and the Houthis began last month after the rebels seized key areas along the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a critical waterway for Gulf oil shipments.

— ABC News, ABC News, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of rebel

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refused

refusenik

refuseniks

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

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Synonyms of refusenik

noun

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