as in rejection
an unwillingness to grant something asked for
his flat refusal of our reasonable request was rather startling
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of refusal
The social worker and the RN took the time to explain what my mom's refusal to eat meant.
—
Wes Kilgore, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026
But as someone who has frankly had their fill of Forza Horizon’s rote, unflinching refusal to deviate from a money-printing formula, Maverick has earned my attention for zigging where many racing game devs tend to zag.
—Adam Ismail, The Drive, 11 June 2026
Aguirre’s refusal to duck a fight, even when facing imposing odds against him, is evident in his decision to return a third time to lead Mexico in a World Cup.
—Scott M. Reid, Oc Register, 10 June 2026
In two separate cases, Walsh is facing charges of battery and assault on specific personnel, resisting officers with violence, DUI with damage to property or person, refusal to submit to DUI testing and refusal to accept or sign a citation or post bond, court records show.
—Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 10 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for refusal
Wes Kilgore, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026
But as someone who has frankly had their fill of Forza Horizon’s rote, unflinching refusal to deviate from a money-printing formula, Maverick has earned my attention for zigging where many racing game devs tend to zag.
—Adam Ismail, The Drive, 11 June 2026
Aguirre’s refusal to duck a fight, even when facing imposing odds against him, is evident in his decision to return a third time to lead Mexico in a World Cup.
—Scott M. Reid, Oc Register, 10 June 2026
In two separate cases, Walsh is facing charges of battery and assault on specific personnel, resisting officers with violence, DUI with damage to property or person, refusal to submit to DUI testing and refusal to accept or sign a citation or post bond, court records show.
—Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 10 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for refusal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for refusal
Noun
-
Rather than dwell on the rejection, the two quickly shift gears and discuss 10 Petal's upcoming 190th anniversary celebration.—
Samantha Stutsman,
PEOPLE,
13 June 2026
-
The popularity of social media — where everyone posts their personal business online — has turned rejection into a public spectacle, beyond your friend group, school, community or neighborhood.—
Avni Trivedi,
CNN Money,
13 June 2026
Noun
-
The game flipped right after with a 10-2 spearheaded by Brunson, who no longer faced a flurry of denials on every single offensive possession.—
Fiifi Frimpong,
New York Daily News,
14 June 2026
-
Iran has been beset with logistical problems since then, including the denial of visas for certain members of its delegation.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
14 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Refusal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refusal. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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